ANNALS 

OF 

YALE   COLLEGE, 

IN 

NEW    HAVEN,    CONNECTICUT, 

FROM 
ITS    FOUNDATION,    TO    THE    YEAR    1831. 

WITH    AN 

APPENDIX, 
CONTAINING     STATISTICAL     TABLES, 

AND 

EXHIBITING    THE    PRESENT    CONDITION 


W^ 


INSTITUTION. 


BY   EBENEZER   BALDWIN. 


NEW    HAVEN: 

PUBLISHED    BY    HEZEKIAH    HOWE. 

183L 


41SS        5 


Entered  according  to  an  Act  of  Congress,  in  the  year  1831,  by  Hezekiah 
Howe,  in  the  Clerk's  office,  of  the  District  Court  of  Connecticut. 


ID 

3  r^  s 


PREFACE 


The  following  sketch  was  undertaken  at  the  request  of  a 
friend,  who  was  desirous  to  insert  a  brief  notice  of  the  origin, 
history  and  present  condition  of  Yale  College,  in  a  statistical 
account  of  New  Haven,  which  he  designed  to  publish.  As  the 
Compiler  proceeded  in  his  task,  he  found  the  materials  so  abun- 
dant, and  many  of  the  facts  connected  with  the  annals  of  the 
College  so  interesting,  that  he  experienced  mnch  embarrassment 
in  abridging  the  narrative  within  his  intended  limits,  without  doing 
injustice  to  the  subject.  Although  he  had  failed  in  his  original 
design,  he  concluded  that  some  facts  had  been  gathered,  that 
might  be  deemed  interesting  to  the  patrons  of  literary  institu- 
tions, and  particularly  to  the  Alumni  of  the  College.  He  is 
conscious  of  the  imperfections  of  the  sketch  in  many  particu- 
lars, but  beheves  that  in  matters  of  fact,  it  will  be  found  gener- 
ally correct.  As  to  opinions  ;  he  deems  it  an  act  of  justice  to 
the  officers  of  the  institution,  to  discharge  them  from  all  responsi- 
bility. They  may  possibly  dissent,  from  some  sentiments  ad- 
tn  vanced  in  the  progress  of  the  narrative ;  but  as  the  sketch  has, 
^  in  its  historical  parts,  been  drawn  without  consultation  with  any 
>.  members  of  the  faculty,  they  are  not  chargeable,  either  for  ex- 
2   pressions  of  praise  or  censure. 

2  The  compilation  of  a  work,  in  relation  to  a  literary  institution, 
would  have  better  fitted  the  habits  and  pursuits  of  an  academi- 
i^  cian  ;  but  if  the  facts  in  relation  to  the  College,  presented  in  the 
J  following  pages,  shall  in  any  degree  awaken  public  interest  in 
"»  behalf  of  a  venerable  establishment,  for  whose  prosperity,  in 
,  common  with  his  fellow  alumni,  the  writer  feels  an  affectionate 
^  solicitude,  his  ambition  will  be  fully  gratified. 
C  In  witnessing  the  rapid  advancement  of  the  arts  and  sciences 
V-     in  our  favored  country,  it  has  always  been  among  the  most  cher- 


PREFACE. 


ished  of  the  Author's  hopes,  that  Yale  College,  situated  as  It 
is,  in  a  salubrious  climate,  iu  a  city  of  attractive  beauty,  and  in 
the  heart  of  an  inteHigent  population,  would  continue,  as  a  foster- 
ed child  of  the  government,  to  flourish  in  increasing  vigor  and 
usefulness;  tliat  an  academy  of  fine  arts,  particularly  for  instruc- 
tion in  architecture,  painting,  sculpture,  engraving  and  designs 
for  mamfacturers,  might  eventually  form  a  branch  of  the  vener- 
able stock,  and  that  this  "  City  of  Gardens;'  as  it  has  justly  been 
styled,  might  become  not  only  a  favored  seat  of  science  but  a 
school  of  cultivated  taste.  The  Professorships  of  Anatomy, 
Chemistry  and  Botany,  already  successfully  and  reputably  es- 
tablished, in  addition  to  the  advantages  of  extensive  Hbraries, 
would  greatly  lessen  the  expenses  of  an  independent  institution 
for  the  cultivation  of  the  fine  arts. 

New  Haven  numbers  among  its  citizens,  gentlemen,  in  the 
several  departments  to  which  we  have  alluded,  who  enjoy  a 
valuable  reputation  in  their  several  pursuits,  and  a  union  of 
their  efforts  under  the  auspices  of  the  College,  would  add  dig- 
nity and  influence  to  their  exertions.  The  efforts  of  Mr.  Augur, 
in  sculpture ;  the  Messrs.  Jocelyn,  in  painting  and  engraving, 
and  Mr.  Town  in  ornamental  architecture,  are  well  known 
among  gentlemen  of  taste,  and  have  greatly  contributed  to  ad- 
vance the  culture  of  those  arts. 

In  allusion  to  the  cultivation  of  the  fine  arts,  it  has  been  re- 
marked with  no  less  triuh  than  beauty,  by  Mr.  Webster  of  Mas- 
sachusetts, that  "Just  taste  is  not  only  an  embellishment  of  so- 
ciety, but  it  rises  almost  to  the  rank  of  the  virtues,  and  diffuses 
positive  good  throughout  the  whole  extent  of  its  influence. 
There  is  a  connexion  between  right  feeling  and  right  principles; 
and  truth  in  taste  is  allied  to  truth  in  morality. ''' 

But  the  present  condition  of  the  University,  perhaps  forbids 
the  further  indulgences  of  these  illusive  hopes,  and  our  desires 
must  be  merged  in  the  deeper  solicitude,  that  no  narrow  system 
of  false  economy  may  overshadow  the  counsels  of  an  enlighten- 
ed legislature  or  check  the  growth  of  this  noble  seminary.  May 
our  government  long  feel  the  truth  of  the  sentiment,   expressed 


PllEFACE.  V 

with  characteristic  energy,  by  the  illustrious  Clinton; — "It  can- 
not be  too  forcibly  inculcated  nor  too  generally  understood,  that 
in  promoting  the  great  interests,  of  moral  and  intellectual  culti- 
vation, there  can  be  no  prodigality  in  the  application  of  the  pub- 
lic treasure." 

Some  of  the  matters  embraced  in  the  following  treatise,  are 
so  obviously  removed  from  the  usual  pursuits  of  the  Author,  and 
exhibit  such  higher  claims  to  science  than  he  can  pretend  to  ad- 
vance, that  justice,  as  well  to  himself  as  to  the  learned  friends 
who  have  aided  him  in  the  compilation  of  the  appendix,  indu- 
ces him  to  note  his  obligations. 

For  the  Register  of  Health,  &c.  he  is  indebted  to  the  friend- 
ship of  Doctor  Henry  D.  Bidkley,  the  Secretary  of  the  Med- 
ical Association  of  New  Haven,  who  was  aided  in  his  investiga- 
tions by  Doctor  T^irgil  J\l.  Dow,  his  predecessor  in  office. 

The  valuable  botanical  sketch,  is  the  joint  production  of  Doc- 
tors Eli  Ives,  William  Tully,  and  Melines  C.  Leavenworth.  It 
probably  exhibits  the  most  complete  statement,  in  regard  to  this 
region,  as  to  that  branch  of  science,  that  has  been  pubHshed. 

For  the  interesting  mineralogical  article,  and  statements  wvth 
regard  to  the  Cabinet,  he  tenders  his  thanks  to  Assistant  Profes- 
sor Shepard,  of  the  chemical  and  mineralogical  department. 

Professors  Silliman,  Olmsted,  and  Beers,  have  severally  fur- 
nished, on  the  application  of  the  Compiler,  statements  of  the  ap- 
paratus attached  to  their  departments. 

In  collecting  the  materials  for  the  early  history  of  the  College, 
it  became  necessary  to  examine  the  Colonial  and  City  records, 
and  it  affords  the  Author  pleasure  in  bearing  witness  to  the  ready 
kindness  and  intelligent  zeal,  with  which  the  preceptor  of  his 
youth,  and  the  friend  of  his  maturer  years,  Elisha  Munson,  Esq. 
the  respectable  toivn  clerk  of  New  Haven,  aided  him  in  all  in- 
vestigations. Mr.  Munson  possesses  much  of  the  ardor  and  all 
the  intelligence,  of  an  accomplished  antiquary. 

In  closing  this  prefatory  article,  it  is  proper  to  explain  some 
references  as  to  authorities.  In  quoting  the  authority  of  Doctor 
Dwight  in  support  of  his  statements,  the  Author  has  only  men- 


PREFACE. 


tioned  his  name  with  the  addition  of  page.  The  work  referred 
to,  is  a  statistical  account  of  New  Haven,  compiled  and  commu- 
nicated by  Doct.  Dwight  to  the  "  Connecticut  Academy  of  Arts 
and  Sciences,"  in  1811.  He  has  in  some  instances  mentioned 
as  an  authority  during  the  Presidency  of  Doctor  Stiles,  a  "Liter- 
ary Diary."  All  quotations  from  the  "Diary"  of  Doctor  Stiles, 
have  been  taken  from  the  extracts  of  his  biographer,  Doctor 
Holmes.  In  drafting  a  sketch  of  President  Dwight's  character, 
most  of  the  materials  have  been  extracted  from  the  preface  to 
his  system  of  Theology,  published  since  his  decease.  It  is  be- 
lieved that  acknowledgments  have  been  made  in  the  progress  of 
the  narrative  for  all  other  important  obligations. 

On  a  review  of  his  sketch,  the  writer  perceives,  that  he  has 
not  alluded  in  terms  sufficiently  explicit,  to  an  alteration  in  the 
original  constitution  of  the  College.  The  religious  test  formerly 
required  of  the  officers,  has  been  abrogated  by  an  ordinance  of 
the  Corporation,  and  for  several  years  past,  scientific  gentlemen, 
of  various  christian  denominations,  have  been  elected  to  aca- 
demic offices. 

Even  before  the  abrogation  of  the  test,  gentlemen  of  other 
religious  denominations  were  occasionally  elected.  Since  the 
abrogation  of  the  test,  the  field  of  literary  competition  for  aca- 
demic offices  has  been  enlarged.  As  an  evidence  that  no  un- 
friendly sectarian  feelings  now  exist,  it  may  be  mentioned  that 
the  printed  forms  of  prayer,  adopted  by  the  Episcopal  Church, 
have  been  used  when  desired,  in  the  services  of  the  chapel,  and 
with  the  full  approbation  of  the  Faculty. 

After  the  preceeding  remarks  were  made,  it  was  suggested 
to  the  author,  that  a  distinguised  gentleman,  who  has  exhibited 
in  his  life,  a  rare  union  of  active  patriotism  as  a  soldier,  and 
successful  exertions  as  an  artist,  had  proposed  to  deposit  a  very 
valuable  collection  of  paintings  in  the  gallery  devoted  to  the 
Fine  Arts.  The  writer's  opinion  need  not  be  expressed,  that 
such  a  deposit  would  add  greatly  to  the  attractions  of  the  uni- 
versity. It  is  hoped  that  no  difficulties  may  occur,  to  prevent 
tlie  completion  of  arrangements  in  this  interesting  matter. 


'i^ 


CONTENTS. 


CHAPTER  I. 

Page. 
From  the  settlement  of  the  Colony  of  New  Haven,  to  the  time  of  grant- 
ing the  Charter  of  the  College,  .  -  .  .  -  i 

CHAPTER  n. 

From  the  Grant  of  the  Charter  to  the  establishment  of  the  College  at 
New  Haven,  -  ......19 

CHAPTER  in. 

The  Rectorship  of  the  Rev.  Timothy  Cutler,  S.  T.  D.     -  -  -        36 

CHAPTER  IV. 

Rectorship  of  the  Rev.  Elisha  Williams,  -  -  -  -        43 

CHAPTER  V. 

Rectorship  and  Presidency  of  the  Rev,  Thomas  Clap,  -  -        52 

CHAPTER  VI. 

The  Presidency  of  the  Rev.  Napthali  Daggett,  S.  T.  D.  -  -        97 

CHAPTER  VII. 
The  Presidency  of  the  Rev.  Ezra  Stiles,  S.  T.  D.  LL.  D.  -  -     105 

CHAPTER  VIII. 
The  Presidency  of  the  Rev.  Timothy  Dwight,  S.  T.  D.  LL.  D.     -  -     133 

CHAPTER  IX. 

The  Presidency  of  the  Rev.  Jeremiah  Day,  S.  T.  D.  LL.  D.       -  -     155 

CHAPTER  X. 

The  Theological  department,     .--.-.       170 

CHAPTER  XI. 

The  Law  department,     ----...      173 

CHAPTER  XII. 

The  Medical  department,  -  -  -  -  -       ,    -      175 


Vm  CONTENTS. 

CHAPTER  XIII. 

Page. 

Commencement  celebrations,  and  award  of  Literary  honors,    -  -      189 

CHAPTER  XIV. 

Facilities. and  advantages  for   literary  pursuits  at  Yale  College,  arising 
from  local  situation  and  other  circumstances,  -  -  -      198 

CHAPTER  XV. 

A  review  of  the  past  and  present  condition  of  the  College,  with  reference 
to  the  character  of  its  treasurers,        .  .  >  .  -      208 

APPENDIX. 
SECTION  I. 

A  brief  Analysis  of  the  Catalogue  of  the  College,         ...      215 

SECTION  II. 

Catalogue  of  tlie  Academic  School,       .....      217 

SECTION  III. 

List  of  the  present  officers  of  the  College,         ....      223 
SECTION  IV. 

Terms  of  admission,  course  of  instructions,  and  general  regulations  es- 
tablished as  to  academic  government.  ....      225 

SECTION  V. 

Societies  and  libraries  attached  to  the  Institution,  ...      233 

SECTION  VI. 

Apparatus — Chemical  Laboratory  of  Yale  College,       ...  236 

Origin  of  the  cabinet  of  Mineralogy  and  Geology,         -  -  -  239 

Department  of  Natural  Philosophy,      .....  260 

Medical  Apparatus,        .......  263 

Botany — Catalogue  of  plants,  &c.  -  -  -  -  .  263 

SECTION  VII. 

A  Register  of  health,    .......      302 

SECTION  VIII. 

List  of  Benefactors,        ....  .  .      qqq 


YALE    COLLEGE 


CHAPTER   I. 


From  the  settlement  of  the  Colony  of  New  Haven,  to  the  time  of 
granting  the  Charter  of  the  College. 

This  highly  respectable  institution,  ranks  among 
the  most  interesting  of  those  monuments  of  benefi- 
cence and  wisdom,  which  have  transmitted  the 
names  of  the  Pilgrims  of  New  England,  to  the 
gratitude  of  their  posterity. 

With  an  enlightened  forecast,  that  we  can  hard- 
ly reconcile  with  the  spirit  of  the  age  in  which 
they  lived,  they  regarded  intelligence  and  educa- 
tion as  the  surest  foundations  of  piety  and  the 
safest  conservators  of  liberty.  Indeed,  it  may  be 
considered  as  the  peculiar  felicity  of  our  favored 
country,  that  its  earliest  institutions  and  policy 
were  uncontaminated  by  the  lawless  spirit  of  mili- 
tary ambition  or  the  lust  of  unprincipled  specu- 
lation. 

Those  who  had  witnessed  and  participated  in 
the  blessings  of  a  reformation  in  the  Christian 
world,  could  not  but  feel  their  attacliments  weak- 
ened for  those  corrupt  governments  that  had  for 
ages  fostered  and  sustained  a  licentious  and  bigoted 
priesthood. 

1 


The  spirit  of  religious  freedom  nourished  an  at- 
tachment for  civil  liberty,  and  a  conviction  that 
even  the  purity  of  their  holy  religion  had  not  es- 
caped the  contaminating  effects  of  despotic  regula- 
tion, led  them  to  discern  the  fearful  inroads  that 
arbitrary  power  had  made  on  the  unalienable 
rights  of  man. 

Impressed  with  such  sentiments,  the  fathers  of 
New  England  formed  the  noble  resolution  of  found- 
ing a  new  empire. 

With  what  feelings  of  honorable  pride  can  the 
American  citizen  peruse  the  record  of  his  country's 
birth.  No  miserable  vagabonds  driven  by  penury 
and  crime  from  the  abodes  of  civilized  man  to  gain 
subsistence  and  safety  in  a  desert — no  wretched 
mariners  compelled  by  shipwreck  to  become  the 
unwilling  tenants  of  a  wilderness — no  ignorant 
savages,  nurtured  like  the  fabled  founders  of  "  the 
eternal  city,"  on  a  beastly  aliment,  are  ranked 
among  his  ancestry  ;  but  he  beholds  an  enlight- 
ened band  of  pilgrims,  independent  in  sentiment, 
fearless  in  purpose,  and  rich  in  intellectual  culture, 
freely  abandoning  the  land  of  their  fathers  to  plant 
the  tree  of  liberty  and  sow  the  seeds  of  a  purified 
religion  in  a  virgin  soil.  Among  colonists  thus 
enlightened  the  interests  of  learning  would,  of 
course,  be  intimately  connected  with  those  of  piety. 

They  had^een  the  fruits  of  religious  creeds  when 
arbitrarily  imposed  by  the  terrors  of  power,  on  an 
ignorant  populace ;  the  cold  ascetic,  yielding  to 
the    gloom  of  rej)ulsive  superstition  ;    the  ardent 


fanatic,  inflamed  by  the  spirit  of  reckless  persecu- 
tion, and  the  pampered  ecclesiastic,  rioting  in  the 
excess  of  every  sensual  indulgence. 

From  their  own  experience  they  knew  that  the 
tenets  of  their  faith  had  been  strengthened  by  ex- 
amination, and  they  felt  that  the  surest  mode  to 
quicken  and  purify  the  affections  was  to  enlighten 
the  reason.  Hence,  the  establishment  of  elemen- 
tary schools  occupied  the  earliest  attention  of  the 
fathers  of  New  England,  and  the  efforts  made  by 
them  to  advance  the  cause  of  education,  embar- 
rassed as  they  were  by  the  wants  and  hardships 
attending  feeble  and  ill  provided  colonies,  and  sur- 
rounded by  the  perils  arising  from  a  jealous  and 
ferocious  Indian  population,  are  well  calculated, 
while  they  excite  our  admiration,  to  repress  the 
vain  boastings  that  too  often  announce  the  osten- 
tatious charities  of  the  present  age. 

The  colony  of  New  Haven,  of  which  the  present 
city*  of  that  name  was  tlic  seat  of  government, 
though  previously  occupied  by  a  few  settlers,  was 
regularly  organized  in  the  year  1639 ;  and  on  the 
11th  of  May,  1665,  an  union  was  eficcted  between 
the  colonies  of  New  Haven  and  Connecticut.  The 
united  colonies  have  since  been  designated  by  the 
name  of  the  latter. 

Influenced  by  the  same  motives  that  had  induced 
their  brethren  of  Massachusetts  Bayt  to  commence 
the  foundation  of  Harvard  College,  ten  years  only 

*  Dwight,  p.  2.  }  Dvvight,  p.  47. 


after  the  settlement  of  their  colony,  the  inhabitants 
of  New  Haven,  and  subsequently  the  united  colony 
of  New  Haven  and  Connecticut,  bestowed  earnest 
attention  on  this  important  subject. 

The  original  design  appears  to  have  been,  the 
establishment  of  a  college  in  each  of  the  New 
England  colonies ;  but  this  intention  was  checked 
by  "  the  well  founded  remonstrances  from  the 
people  of  Massachusetts  ;  who  very  justly  observ- 
ed, that  the  whole  population  of  New  England  was 
scarcely  sufficient  to  support  one  institution  of  this 
nature,  and  that  the  establishment  of  a  second 
would,  in  the  end,  be  a  sacrifice  of  both."* 

The  records  of  New  Haven  furnish  interesting 
evidence  that  no  local  selfishness  operated  upon 
the  minds  of  the  colonists,  and  that,  although  they 
were  unable  for  a  time  to  found  a  seminary  within 
the  limits  of  their  own  territorial  charter,  they  free- 
ly contributed,  according  to  their  humble  means, 
to  the  support  of  Cambridge  College  in  Massachu- 
setts Bay.  The  following  extracts,  it  is  thought, 
will  not  be  considered  as  uninteresting. 

It  may  be  remarked,  as  preliminary  to  the  ex- 
tracts, that  the  records  of  the  colony  of  New  Ha- 
ven commence  on  "  the  4th  day  of  the  4th  months 
called  June,  1639."  On  that  day  '^  all  the  free 
planters  assembled,"  &/C. 

The  first  Booh  of  records  appears  to  have  been 
originally  the  mercantile  and  commercial  account 

*  Dwight,  p.  48. 


book  of  Mr.  Theophilus  Eaton,  one  of  the  grantees 
of  the  colony  of  New  Haven,  and  afterwards  its 
respectable  and  efficient  Governor. 

The  accounts  occupy  a  few  pages  of  the  volume, 
which,  even  for  that  purpose,  is  commenced  with 
somewhat  of  puritanical  quaintness. 

"  Laus  Deo,  in  London  the  6th  of  January, 
Anno  Domini  1608." 

Then  follow  a  variety  of  statements  in  relation 
to  "  Lambe  Skinnes,"  "  Glewe,"  "  Padlockes," 
"  Worme  Seedes,"  &.c. 

On  the  inverted  side  of  this  book  of  accounts  the 
colonial  records  were  begun. 

The  following  extracts  relate  to  education,  so 
far  as  regards  Colleges,  (the  modern  forms  of  spel- 
ling being  adopted.) 

1st.  "  At  a  General  Court,  held  the  11th  No- 
vember, 1644 — 

"  The  proposition  for  the  relief  of  poor  scholars 
at  the  College  at  Cambridge  was  fully  approved  of, 
and  thereupon  it  was  ordained  that  Joshua  Atwater 
and  William  Davis  shall  receive  of  every  one  in 
this  plantation,  whose  heart  is  willing  to  contri- 
bute thereunto,  a  peck  of  wheat  or  the  value  of  it. 

2d.  "  A  proposition  made  to  the  commissioners  at 
Hartford,  Ao.  1644,  by  Mr.  Sheppard,  pastor  of 
the  Church  at  Cambridge,  in  the  Bay,  for  a  free 
contribution  out  of  these  parts,  of  a  peck  of  wheat 
or  the  value  of  it,  of  every  person  disposed  or  wil- 
ling, for  an  increase  of  maintenance  to  the  College 
there  begun.     That  children  (to  what  colony  so- 


ever  they  belong)  being  fit  for  learning,  but  their 
parents  not  able  to  bear  the  whole  charges,  might 
be  better  trained  up  for  public  service,  was  consid- 
ered, and  fully  approved;  and  Mr.  Atwater  and 
Goodman  Davids  were  entrusted  for  that  first  year 
to  receive  and  collect  it,  that  it  may  be  sent  accord- 
ingly. 

''  At  General  Court,  held,  &c.  16  March,  1645 — 

"  Mr.  Atwater,  the  present  Treasurer,  informed 
the  Court  that  he  had  sent  from  Connecticut  forty 
bushels  of  wheat,  for  the  College,  by  Goodman 
Rodman,  for  the  last  year's  gift  of  New  Haven, 
although  he  had  not  received  so  much. 

"  At  a  General  Court,  held  the  4th  January, 
1646— 

"  The  contributioii  for  the  College  was  renewed, 
and  Bro.  John  Hart  and  Bro.  William  Leek  chosen 
collectors  for  the  same. 

"  At  a  General  Court  at  New  Haven,  17  May, 
1647— 

"  The  Governor  propounded  that  the  College 
Corn  might  be  forthwith  paid,  and  that,  consider- 
ing the  work  is  a  service  to  Christ,  to  bring  up 
young  plants  for  his  service,  and  besides,  it  will  be 
a  reproach  that  it  shall  be  said.  New  Haven  is 
fallen  off  from  this  service. 

"  At  a  General  Court,  held  in  New  Haven,  5 
July,  1647— 

'"  It  was  desired,  that  as  men  had  formerly  enga- 
ged themselves  to  contribute  a  portion  of  corn  to 
the  College,  that  they  would  not  now  be  slack  in 


carrying  it  to  the  collectors,  but  that  some  7  or  8 
days  at  farthest,  those  that  are  behind  would  pay  ; 
for  it's  a  service  to  Christ,  and  may  yield  glorious 
fruit  to  the  colonies  hereafter.  Being  that  the 
commissioners  have  taken  order  that  none  should 
have  the  benefit  of  it,  but  those  that  shall  remain 
in  the  country,  for  the  service  of  the  same,  the 
bringing  in  of  which  corn  was  engaged  by  votes. 

"  May  22,  1648. — Samuel  Whitehead  is -chosen 
collector  for  the  College  Corn  for  this  year,  in  the 
room  of  Anthony  Tompson,  deceased." 

Some  other  brief  records  in  relation  to  Cam- 
bridge College,  but  of  the  same  purport  as  the  pre- 
ceding, may  be  gathered  from  the  Clerk's  Office  at 
New  Haven. 

The  objects  that  chiefly  influenced  the  settlers  of 
New  England  in  the  formation  of  the  colonies, 
naturally  gave  to  the  clergy  a  large  share  of  influ- 
ence, and  although  the  experience  of  man  has 
shown  that  ecclesitistical  and  political  power  can- 
not be  united  without  danger  to  the  purity  of  reli- 
gion and  the  cause  of  civil  liberty ;  yet,  the  just 
and  liberal  policy  pursued  by  the  fathers  of  New 
England,  forms  a  striking  exception  to  this  almost 
universal  rule ;  an  exception  truly  honorable,  but 
arising  from  peculiar  circumstances,  and  therefore 
not  entitled  to  the  authority  of  a  precedent,  to  be 
followed. 

But  omitting  any  further  general  remarks  on  tho 
character  and  policy  of  those  illustrious  men,  who 
laid  the  broad,  liberal,  and  (as  the  writer  trusts,) 


8 

enduring  tbnndations  of  civil  and  religious  freedom 
in  the  new  world,  he  proceeds  to  the  more  imme- 
diate object  of  inquiry,  the  origin,  annals,  and 
present  condition  of  Yale  College. 

The  enlightened  zeal  of  Presidents  Clap,  Stiles, 
and  Dwight  has  furnished  abundant  materials  for 
a  more  elaborate  statement  with  regard  to  the 
early  establishment,  endowment,  and  progress  of 
the  institution  than  the  purpose  of  the  writer  re- 
quires ;  and  confiding  in  the  acknowledged  accu- 
racy of  their  accounts,  he  will  venture  to  use  both 
their  language  and  facts,  under  this  general  ac- 
knowledgment, that  their  essays,  together  with 
Doctor  Trumbull's  History  of  Connecticut,  and 
Doctor  Douglass's  Political  and  Historical  Sum- 
mary, have  been  his  principal  guides,  with  regard 
to  the  early  history  of  the  institution. 

With  a  view  to  a  just  comparison  between  past 
eflbrts  and  present  exertions,  it  may  be  proper  to 
exhibit  a  statement  of  the  ability  of  those  who 
founded  New  Haven,  (now  Yale  College)  and  its 
benefactors  and  friends  of  the  present  age. 

The  intention  of  founding  a  literary  institution 
that  should  perpetuate  the  just  and  enlightened 
sentiments  of  the  colonists,  naturally  occupied  the 
first  attention  of  men  who  had  abandoned  the  com- 
forts of  cultivated  and  refined  society,  to  enjoy  in 
freedom  the  political  and  religious  creed,  that  had 
been  the  fruit  of  calm  inquiry  and  investigation. 

Common  Schools,  where  the  elements  of  science 
were  widely  diflused  among  the  rising  population, 


did  not  satisfy  the  enlarged  views  of  literary  men, 
and  the  plan  of  an  institution  of  higher  pretensions 
and  more  extended  scope  occupied  the  thoughts  of 
the  first  settlers  of  Connecticut. 

After  various  consultations,  chiefly  in  reference 
to  the  interests  of  the  Church,  and  confined  in  a 
great  measure  to  the  liberal  and  enlightened  clergy 
of  the  times,  a  definite  proposition  was  at  length 
submitted  with  regard  to  the  establishment  of  a 
College  in  New  Haven. 

The  following  resolution  copied  from  Doctor 
Dwight's  Statistical  Account,  is  the  earliest  record 
on  the  subject  that  has  met  the  writer's  notice. 

"  At  a  General  Court,  held  at  Guilford,  June 
28th,  A.  D.  1652. 

"  Voted,  the  matter  about  a  College  at  New 
Haven  was  thought  to  be  too  great  a  charge  for  us 
of  this  jurisdiction  to  undergo  alone ;  especially 
considering  the  unsettled  state  of  New  Haven 
town  ;  being  publicly  declared,  from  the  deliberate 
judgment  of  the  most  understanding  men,  to  be  a 
place  of  no  comfortable  subsistence  for  the  present 
inhabitants  there.  But  if  Connecticut  do  join,  the 
planters  are  generally  willing  to  bear  their  just 
proportions  for  erecting  and  maintaining  of  a  Col- 
lege there.  However,  they  desire  thanks  to  Mr. 
Goodyear  for  his  kind  proffer,  to  the  setting  forward 
of  such  a  work." 

This  resolution  was  passed  thirteen  years  after 
the  organization  of  the  colony  of  New  Haven,  and 
thirteen  years  before  its  union  with  Connecticut. 


10 

Although  in  the  History  of  Yale  College,  pub- 
lished by  President  Clap  in  1765,  and  which,  like 
all  other  productions  of  that  eminent  man,  is  re- 
markable for  learning,  research,  and  accuracy,  the 
above  quoted  resolution  of  the  General  Court  is  not 
mentioned,  yet  he  is  undoubtedly  correct  in  attribu- 
ting the  "  design  of  founding  a  College  in  the  colo- 
ny of  Connecticut"  to  the  ministers.*  He  enume- 
rates the  Reverend  Mr.  Pierpont  of  New  Haven, 
Mr.  Andrew  of  Milford,  and  Mr.  Russel  of  Bran- 
ford,  as  the  "  most  forward  and  active"  in  the  en- 
terprize. 

Originating  as  they  did  from  the  learned  ecclesi- 
astics of  the  age,  the  plan  and  intention  of  the  in- 
stitution were  especially  directed  to  the  interests  of 
the  Church. 

Indeed,  so  exclusive  was  the  original  intention, 
that,  according  to  a  plan  drawn  up  in  imitation  of 
the  Protestant  Colleges  and  Universities  in  France, 
it  was  to  be  erected  by  a  General  Synod  of  the 
Consociated  Churches,  who  should  have  such  influ- 
ence in  elections  as  might  be  necessary  to  preserve 
orthodoxy  in  the  Governors  ;  that  the  synod  should 
agree  upon  a  confession  of  faith,  to  be  consented  to 
by  the  President,  Insp^ectors,  and  Tutors  ;  that  the 
College  should  be  called  the  School  of  the  Church, 
and  that  Churches  should  contribute  towards  its 
support.t 


Clnp'9  Annals,  p.  2.  \  Clnp,  pp.  2  and  3. 


11 

The  General  or  formal  Synod  above  referred  to, 
was  not  convened,  but  in  "  lesser  conventions  of 
ministers  in  associations  and  councils,  and  in  pri- 
vate conversation,*  ten  of  the  principal  ministers 
in  the  colony  were  nominated  and  agreed  upon,  by 
a  general  consent,  both  of  the  ministers  and  people, 
to  stand  as  Trustees  or  Undertakers,  to  found, 
erect,  and  govern  a  College." 

Their  names  and  residences  were  as  follows : 
The  Rev.  Mr.  James  Noyes,  Stonington^ 
'•'      "     Israel  Chauncy,  Stratford^ 
a      u     Thomas  Buckingham,  Sayhrook^ 
"      "     Abraham  Pierson,  Killingworth, 
"       "     Samuel  Mather,   Windsor, 
"      "     Samuel  Andrew,  Milford, 
"      "     Timothy  Woodbridge,  Hartford, 
"      "     James  Pierpont,  Neiv  Haven, 
"      "     Noadiah  Russell,  Middletown, 
"       "     Joseph  Webb,  Fairfield. 
The  ministers  above  named,  met  at  New  Haven 
(in  the  year   1700)  and   formed  themselves  into  a 
Society ,t  to  consist  of  eleven  ministers,  including  a 
Rector,  and  agreed  to  found  a  College  in  the  colony 
of  Connecticut.     This  agreement  was  soon  after 
carried  into  effect  at  a  meeting  in  Branford,  and 
with  a  ceremony  peculiarly  characteristic  of  the 
simplicity  of  the  age. 

"  Each  member  brought  a  number  of  books  and 
presented  them  to  the  body ;  and  laying  them  on 

"  Clap,  p.  3.  t  Clap,  p.  3. 


12 

the  (able  saifl,  these  words:  '  I  give  these  hooks 
for  the  founding  a  College  in  this  colony."*  Tlien 
the  Trustees  took  possession  of  them,  and  confided 
them  to  the  care  of  the  Reverend  Mr.  Russell  of 
Branford,  as  Librarian.  The  number  of  volumes 
thus  collected  consisted  of  forty  folios. 

Hundry  additions  were  made  soon  after,  both  of 
books  and  money  to  this  small  collection,  which,  in 
the  langjiage  of  President  Clap,  "  laid  a  good  foun- 
dation," 

The  library  was  kept  at  Branford  for  about  three 
years,  when  it  was  removed  to  Killingworth. 

Soon  after  the  formation  of  this  voluntary  and 
beneficent  association,  doubts  arose  in  the  minds  of 
the  members,  whether  the  laws  of  the  country  af- 
forded suflicient  protection  for  their  property ;  and 
after  consulting  the  most  eminent  lawyers  on  the 
subject,  they  at  length  applied  to  Judge  Sewall  and 
Secretary  Addington,  of  Boston,  to  prepare  a  for- 
mal charter.  A  large  number  of  ministers  and 
laymen  united  in  a  petition  to  the  Colonial  Assem- 
bly, in  support  of  the  application.  From  the  tenor 
of  their  petition,  it  appears  that  the  original  inten- 
tion of  devoting  the  institution  to  the  sole  benefit  of 
the  Church  had  been  changed,  as  they  represented 
to  the  Assembly,  "  that,  from  a  sincere  regard  to, 
and  zeal  for,  upholding  the  Protestant  Religion,  by 
a  succession  of  learned  and  orthodox  men,  they  had 
proposed  that  a  collegiate  school  should  be  erected 

*  Clap,  p.  3. 


13  . 

in  this  colony,  wherein  youth  should  be  instructed  in 
all  parts  of  learning,  to  qualify  them  for  public  em- 
ployments in  Church  and  civil  State."* 

In  order  to  aid  the  application,  James  Fitch,  Esq. 
of  Norwich,  a  member  of  the  Council,  soon  after 
the  meeting  of  the  Assembly,  made  a  donation  to 
the  College,  of  GOO  acres  of  land  lying  inKillingly, 
and  "  all  the  glass  and  nails  which  should  be  neces- 
sary to  build  a  college  house  and  hall." 

The  disinterested  application  of  the  learned  gen- 
tlemen who  had  sought  their  aid,  found  a  ready 
welcome  in  an  enlightened  I^egislature,  and  on  the 
9th  of  October,  1701,  the  following  Charter,t  drawn 
by  Mr.  Secretary  Addington,  of  Boston,  was  passed 
in  the  Assembly. 

[Colony  Seal.]  By  the  Governor  in  Council,  and 
Representatives  of  his  Majesty's  Colony  of  Con- 
necticut, in  General  Court,  assembled  at  New 
Haven,  October  9th,  1701,  An  act  for  liberty  to 
erect  a  Collegiate  School. 

"  Whereas  several  well  disposed  and  public  spir- 
ited persons,  of  their  sincere  regard  to,  and  zeal  for, 
upholding  and  propagating  of  the  Christian  Protes- 
tant Religion,  by  a  succession  of  learned  and  or- 
thodox men,  have  expressed  by  Petition  their  earn- 
est desires,  that  full  liberty  and  privilege  be  granted 
unto  certain  undertakers,  for  the  founding,  suitably 
endowing,  and  ordering  a  Collegiate  School,  within 
his  Majesty's  Colony  of  Connecticut,  wherein  youth 

*  Clap,  p.  4.  t   Clap,  p.  5. 


14 

may  be  instructed  in  the  arts  and  sciences,  who, 
through  the  blessiui^  of  Ahnighty  God,  may  be 
fitted  for  pubhc  employments,  both  in  Church  and 
civil  State,  To  the  intent,  therefore,  that  all  due 
encouragement  be  given  to  such  pious  resolutions, 
and  that  so  necessary  and  religious  an  undertaking 
may  be  set  forward,  supported,  and  well  managed : 
"  Be  it  enacted,  by  the  Governor  and  Company 
of  the  said  Colony  of  Connecticut  in  General  Court 
now  assembled,  and  it  is  enacted  and  ordained  by 
the  authority  of  the  same,  that  there  be,  and  hereby 
is,  full  liberty,  right,  and  privilege  granted  unto  the 
Rev.  Mr.  James  Noyes,  of  Stonington,  Mr.  Israel 
Chauncy,  of  Stratford,  Mr.  Thomas  Bu-ckingham, 
of  Saybrook,  Mr.  Abraham  Pierson,  of  Killing- 
worth,  Mr.  Samuel  Mather,  of  Windsor,  Mr.  Sam- 
uel Andrew,  of  Milford,  Mr.  Timothy  Woodbridge, 
of  Hartford,  Mr.  James  Pierpont,  of  New  Haven, 
Mr.  Noadiah  Russell,  of  Middletown,  and  Mr.  Jo- 
seph Webb,  of  Fairfield,  being  reverend  ministers 
of  the  Gospel,  and  inhabitants  within  the  said  Col- 
ony ;  proposed  to  stand  as  Trustees,  Partners,  or 
Undertakers  for  the  said  School,  to  them  and  their 
successors,  to  erect,  form,  direct,  order,  establish, 
improve,  and  at  all  times,  in  all  suitable  ways,  for 
the  future,  to  encourage  the  said  School,  in  such 
convenient  place  or  places,  and  in  such  form  or 
manner,  and  under  such  order  and  rules,  as  to 
them  shall  seem  meet,  and  most  conducive  to  the 
aforesaid  end  thereof,  so  as  such  rules,  or  orders, 
be  not  repugnant  to  the  laws  of  the  civil  govern- 


15 

ment ;  and  also,  to  employ  the  monies  or  any  other 
estates,  which  shall  be  granted  by  this  Court,  or 
otherwise  contributed,  to  that  use  according  to 
their  discretion,  for  the  benefit  of  the  said  Colle- 
giate School,  from  time  to  time,  and  at  all  times 
henceforward. 

"  And  be  it  further  enacted,  by  the  Authority 
aforesaid,  that  the  before  named  Trustees,  Partners, 
or  Undertakers,  together  with  such  others  as  they 
shall  associate  to  themselves,  (not  exceeding  the 
number  of  eleven,  or  at  any  time  be  less  than 
seven)  ;  provided  also,  that  persons  nominated  or 
associated,  from  time  to  time,  to  fill  up  said  num- 
ber, be  ministers  of  the  Gospel,  inhabiting  within 
this  Colony,  and  above  the  age  of  forty  years,  or 
the  major  part  of  them,  the  said  James  Noyes, 
Israel  Chauncy,  Thomas  Buckingham,  Abraham 
Pierson,  Samuel  Mather,  Samuel  Andrew,  Timo- 
thy Woodbridge,  James  Pierpont,  Noadiah  Russell, 
and  Joseph  Webb,  Undertakers  ;  and  of  such  per- 
sons, so  chosen  and  associated,  as  aforesaid,  at  any 
time  hereafter,  have,  and  shall  have,  henceforward, 
the  oversight,  full  and  complete  right,  liberty, 
power,  and  privilege,  to  furnish,  direct,  manage, 
order,  improve,  and  encourage,  from  time  to  time, 
and  in  all  times  hereafter,  the  said  Collegiate 
Scliool,  so  erected  and  formed  by  them,  in  such 
ways,  orders,  and  manner,  and  by  such  persons. 
Rector,  or  Master,  and  Officers  appointed  by  them, 
as  shall,  according  to  their  best  discretion  be  most 
conducible  to  attain  the  aforementioned  end  thereof 


16 

"  And  moreover,  it  is  enacted  and  ordered  by 
the  Governor,  Council,  and  Representatives  of  the 
colony  aforesaid,  met  in  General  Assembly,  that  the 
said  Mr.  James  Noyes,  Israel  Chauncy,  Thomas 
Buckingham,  Abraham  Pierson,  Samuel  Mather, 
Samuel  Andrew,  Timothy  Woodbridge,  James 
Pierpont,  Noadiah  Russell,  and  Joseph  Webb, 
Undertakers,  Trustees  or  Partners,  and  the  said 
persons  taken  from  time  to  time  into  partnership,  or 
associated,  as  aforesaid,  with  themselves,  shall  have 
and  receive,  and  it  is  hereby  given  and  granted  unto 
them,  the  full  and  just  sum  of  one  hundred  and 
twenty  pounds,  in  country  pay,*  to  be  paid  annual- 
ly, and  at  all  times  hereafter  until  this  Court  order 
otherwise,  to  them  and  to  such  person  or  persons 
only,  as  they  shall  appoint  and  empower  to  receive 
the  same,  to  be  faithfully  disposed  of  by  the  said 
Trustees,  Partners,  or  Undertakers,  for  the  end 
aforesaid,  according  to  their  discretion  :  which  said 
sum  shall  be  raised  and  paid  in  such  ways  and 
manners,  and  at  such  a  value  as  the  country  rates 
of  said  colony  are  and  have  been  usually  raised  and 
paid. 

"  It  is  also  further  enacted,  by  the  authority 
aforesaid,  that  the  said  Undertakers  and  Partners, 
and  their  successors  be,  and  hereby  are,  further 
empowered  to  have,  accept,  acquire,  purchase,  or 
otherwise  lawfully  enter  upon  any  lands,  tenements, 
and  hereditaments,  to  the  use  of  the  said  School, 

*  Mentioned  by  President  Chip  to  be  equal  to  £bO  sterling. 


17 

not  exceeding  the  value  of  five  hundred  pounds  per 
annum,  and  goods,  chattels,  sum  or  sums  of  money, 
whatsoever,  as  have  heretofore^  already  been  grant- 
ed, bestowed,  bequeathed,  or  given,  or  as  from  time 
to  time,  shall  be  freely  given,  bequeathed,  devised, 
or  settled  by  any  person  or  persons  whatsoever, 
upon,  and  to,  and  for,  the  use  of  the  said  School, 
towards  the  founding,  erecting,  or  endowing  the 
same,  and  to  sue  for,  recover,  and  receive  all  such 
gifts,  legacies,  bequests,  annuities,  rents,  issues,  and 
profits,  arising  therefrom,  and  to  employ  the  same 
accordingly,  and  out  of  the  estates,  revenues,  rents, 
profits,  incomes  accruing  and  belonging  to  the 
said  School,  to  support  and  pay,  as  the  said  Under- 
takers shall  agree,  and  see  cause,  the  said  Rector, 
or  Masters,  Tutors,  Ushers,  or  other  officers,  their 
respective  annual  salaries  or  allowances,  as  also  for 
the  encouragement  of  the  students,  to  grant  degrees 
or  licences,  as  they  or  those  deputed  by  them,  shall 
see  cause  to  order  and  appoint." 

This  Charter  gave  security  to  the  friends  of  the 
College,  and  animated  the  honorable  zeal  by  which 
they  were  influenced. 

In  closing  the  narrative  of  facts  attending  the 
birth  of  an  institution  that  has  been  so  fruitful  in 
blessings  to  our  country,  the  writer  cannot  refrain 
from  a  brief  notice  of  the  condition  of  Connecticut 
when  this  truly  noble  Seminary  was  founded. 

In  a  discourse  commemorative  of  the  events  of 
the  last  century,  delivered  by  Doct.  Dvvight,  at  its 
close,  he  states  that  Connecticut,  in  the  year  1701, 

3 


18 

contained  only  28  towns,  and  that  so  ignorant  were 
the  most  eminent  European  Geographers  with  re- 
gard to  the  country,  that  even  its  name  is  not  men- 
tioned in  the  works  of  Cleverius,  Heylin,  or  Buno, 
who  ranked  at  that  period,  among  the  best  Geogra- 
phers of  the  workl. 

Doctor  Trumbull,  in  a  discourse  delivered  on  the 
same  occasion,  states  the  population  of  Connecti- 
cut, at  the  beginning  of  the  last  century  at  14  or 
15,000. 

That  so  obscure  a  colony,  deriving  but  little  en- 
couragement from  the  parent  country;  unknown  to 
the  world ;  feeble  in  resources,  small  in  numbers, 
and  surrounded  by  perils  and  hardships;  should  yet 
direct  its  noble  efforts  to  the  mental  cultivation  of 
future  generations,  affords  one  of  the  noblest  ex- 
amples of  disinterested  philanthropy  recorded  in 
the  annals  of  man. 


19 


CHAPTER   II. 

From    the  Grant  of  the  Charter  to  the  establishment  of  the 
College  at  New  Haven. 

The  grant  of  a  Charter,  that  furnished  security 
to  property,  and  pledged  the  patronage  of  the  gov- 
ernment, to  the  laudable  objects  of  the  founders  of 
the  College,  gave  additional  impulse  to  their  efforts. 

As  illustrating  the  special  motives  that  influenced 
the  Trustees,  the  record  of  their  proceedings,  at 
their  first  meeting,  will  not  be  deemed  uninterest- 
ing. 

"  At  a  meeting  of  the  Collegiate  Undertakers, 
holden  at  Say  brook,  November  11,  A.  D.  1701. 
Present — the  Reverend  Israel  Chatincy,  Thomas 
JBuckins^ham.  Abraham  Pierson,  Samuel  An- 
drew,  James  Pierpont,  Noadiah  Russell,  Joseph 
Webb. 

"  Whereas,  it  was  the  glorious  public  design  of 
our  now  blessed  fathers,  in  their  remove  from  Eu- 
rope into  these  parts  of  America,  both  to  plant, 
and,  (under  the  Divine  blessing,)  to  propagate  in 
this  wilderness,  the  blessed  reformed  protestant 
religion,  in  the  purity  of  its  order  and  worship;  not 
only  to  their  posterity,  but  also  to  the  barbarous 
natives:  in  which  great  enterprise  they  wanted 
not  the  royal  commands  and  favor  of  his  Majesty, 
king  Charles  the  Second,  to  authorize  and  invigo- 
rate them. 


20 

"  We  their  unworthy  posterity,  lamenting  our 
past  neglects  of  this  grand  errand,  and  sensible  of 
the  equal  obligations,  better  to  prosecute  the  same 
end,  are  desirous  in  our  generation  to  be  service- 
able thereunto. 

"  Whereunto  the  religious  and  liberal  education 
of  suitable  youth  is,  under  the  blessing  of  God,  a 
chief  and  most  probable  expedient.  Therefore,  that 
we  might  not  be  wanting  in  cherishing  the  present 
observable  and  pious  disposition  of  many  well  mind- 
ed people,  to  dedicate  their  children  and  substance 
unto  God  in  such  a  good  service ;  and  being  our- 
selves, with  sundry  other  reverend  Elders,  not  only 
desired  by  our  Godly  people,  to  undertake  as  Trus- 
tees, for  erecting,  forming,  ordering,  and  regulating 
a  collegiate  school,  for  the  advancement  of  such  an 
education ;  but  having  also  obtained  of  our  present 
religious  government,  both  full  liberty  and  assist- 
ance, by  their  donations  to  such  a  use;  tokens  like- 
wise, that  particular  persons  will  not  be  wanting  in 
their  benificence ;  do,  in  duty  to  God,  and  the  weal  of 
our  country,  undertake  in  the  aforesaid  design. 
And  being  now  met,  according  to  the  liberties  and 
aids  granted  to  us  for  the  use  aforesaid,  do  order 
and  appoint,  that  there  shall  be,  and  hereby  is 
erected  and  formed  a  Collegiate  School,  wherein 
shall  be  taught  the  liberal  Arts  and  Languages,  in 
such  place  or  places,  in  Connecticut,  as  the  said 
Trustees,  with  their  associates  and  successors,  do 
or  shall,  from  time  to  time,  see  cause  to  order. 


21 

"  For  the  orderly  and  effectual  management  of 
this  affair,  we  agree  to,  and  hereby  appoint  and 
confirm  the  following  rules. 

"  1st.  That  the  Rector  take  special  care,  as  of 
the  moral  behaviour  of  the  Students  at  all  times, 
so  with  industry  to  instruct  and  ground  them  well 
in  Theoretical  Divinity;  and  to  that  end,  shall 
neither  by  himself,  nor  by  any  other  person  whomso- 
ever, allow  them  to  be  instructed  and  grounded  in 
any  other  system  or  synopsis  of  Divinity,  than  such 
as  the  said  Trustees  do  order  and  appoint;  but 
shall  take  effectual  care,  that  the  said  students  be 
weekly,  (at  such  seasons  as  he  shall  see  cause  to 
appoint,)  caused  memoriter  to  recite  the  Assem- 
bly's Catechism  in  Latin,  and  Ames^  Theological 
Theses^*  of  which,  as  also  Ames''  Cases  of  Con- 
science^ he  shall  make,  or  cause  to  be  made,  from 
time  to  time,  such  explanations  as  may,  (through 
the  blessing  of  God,)  be  most  conducive  to  their 
establishment  in  the  principles  of  the  Christian 
Protestant  religion. 

"  2d.  The  Rector  shall  also  cause  the  Scriptures 
daily,  (except  on  the  Sabbath,)  morning  and  even- 
ing, to  be  read  by  the  Students,  at  the  times  of 
prayer  in  the  School,  according  to  the  laudable 
order  and  usage  of  Harvard  College^  making  ex- 
positions upon  the  same ;  and  upon  the  Sabbath, 
shall  either  expound  practical  theo^k)gy,  or  cause 
the  non-graduated  Students  to  repeat  sermons ;  and 

*•  It  is  a  singular  fact,  that  neither  of  those    works  are  mcutioned   in  the 
Calalo^^uc  of  the  College  Library. 


22 

in  all  other  ways,  according  to  his  best  discretion, 
shall  at  all  times  studiously  endeavor,  in  the  edu- 
cation of  the  Students,  to  promote  the  power  and 
purity  of  religion,  and  the  best  edification  of  these 
New  England  Churches." 

Having  passed  the  above,  together  with  other 
rules  and  orders  for  the  regulation  of  the  Collegi- 
ate School,  the  Trustees  chose  the  Rev.  Abraham 
Pierson,  one  of  their  number,  to  take  charge  of  its 
instruction  and  government,  under  the  title  of 
Rector  ;  they  also  chose  the  Rev.  Samuel  Russell 
of  Branford,  to  be  a  Trustee,  to  complete  the  num- 
ber of  eleven,  according  to  the  original  plan  of 
organization. 

As  the  Charter  did  not  designate  any  particular 
place  in  the  colony,  for  the  establishment  of  the 
College,  the  Trustees,  at  the  same  meeting,  enter- 
ed upon  the  consideration  of  that  subject,  and, 
"  after  considerable  debate,"  fixed  upon  Saybrook, 
"«5  the  most  convenient  jjlace.,  at  present ;  unless 
upon  further  consideration  they  should  alter 
their  minds.''''* 

The  Rector  was  requested,  by  the  Trustees,  to 
remove  to  Saybrook,  but  until  that  was  effected, 
they  directed  that  the  Scholars  should  be  instruct- 
ed at  or  near  his  house  in  Killingworth. 

As  several  years  had  elapsed,  since  the  forma- 
tion of  the  College  had  been  contemplated,  a  num- 
ber of  young  gentlemen  were   preparing   for   it, 

*  Clap,  p.  11. 


23 

"  under  the  private  instruction  of  the  Trustees," 
and  others,  and  upon  the  appointment  of  the  Rec- 
tor and  a  Tutor,  eight  Students  were  admitted  as 
members,  and  classed  "  according  to  the  profi- 
ciency they  had  antecedently  made." 

The  first  Commencement  was  held  at  Saybrook, 
on  the  13th  September,  1702,  at  which  time,  as 
appears  from  the  catalogue  of  the  Institution,  Ste- 
phen Buckingliam^  Salmon  Treaty  Joseph  Colt, 
Joseph  Moss,  Nathaniel  Chauncey  and  Joseph 
Morgan,  (the  first  four  of  whom  had  been  pre- 
viously graduated  at  Harvard  College,)  received 
their  degrees  as  Masters  of  Arts. 

They  all  became  ministers  of  the  Gospel,  and 
three  of  the  number,  viz.  Mr.  Buckingham,  Mr. 
Moss,  and  Mr.  Chauncey,  were  afterwards  fellows 
of  the  College.* 

The  Colonies  of  New  England,  having  derived 
their  birth,  chiefly  from  religious  motives ;  and  the 
design  of  the  College  having  been  first  suggested 
by  the  Clergy,  it  is  not  surprising  that  its  influ- 
ence on  the  interests  of  the  Church  should  have 
occupied  a  large  share  of  the  solicitude  of  its  pat- 
rons. Although  more  enlarged  views  and  just  con- 
siderations, have  gradually  obliterated  the  secta- 
rian principles,  that  entered  into  the  original  con- 
stitution of  the  College,  yet  it  may  be  proper  to 
state,  as  connected  with  this  brief  summary,  that 
the  General  Synod  convened  at  Saybrook,  Septem- 

*  Trumbull  Hist.  Conn. Vol.  I.  p.  502. 


24 

t 

ber  9th,  1708,  and  at  which,  the  confession  of  faith 
usually  styled  the  Sai/brook  Platform,  was  adopted ; 
had  its  origin  principally  in  the  efforts  of  the  Trus- 
tees of  the  College.  That  confession  was  adopted 
in  the  succeeding  month  of  October,  by  the  General 
Court,  as  the  religious  creed  of  the  Colony,  and 
was  also  adopted  by  the  Corporation  of  the  Col- 
lege ;  and  its  Trustees  and  officers,  upon  their  in- 
troduction to  office,  "  were  required  to  give  their 
assent  to  it,  and  to  the  Westminister  Confession 
and  Catechism."* 

Rector  Pierson  continued  to  reside  at  Killing- 
worth,  although  the  Trustees  made  several  efforts 
to  induce  him  to  remove  to  Saybrook,  and  proposed 
to  give  him  £50  sterling,  to  bear  the  charges  of 
removal,  and  £60  sterling  per  annum,  salary. 

The  opposition  of  the  people  under  his  pastoral 
charge,  and  the  doubts  existing  in  the  minds  of 
some  of  the  Trustees,  as  to  the  policy  of  fixing  the 
College  at  Saybrook,  prevented  the  removal  of  the 
Rector,  and  the  Students  continued  at  Killing- 
worth  till  his  death.  This  event  occurred  in  April, 
1707,  according  to  President  Clap's  account,  but 
according  to  Doctor  Trumbull,  on  the  5th  March, 
1704. 

His  death  was  justly  considered  as  a  great  loss, 
and  was  a  source  of  deep  affliction,  both  to  the 
College,  and  the  people  of  his  charge.  The  annals 
of  that  period  furnish  the  following  notice  of  his 
character  and  biography. 

*  Tiumbiill,  p.  515.  Clap,  p.  14. 


25 

Rector  Pierson  was  educated  at  Harvard  Col- 
lege, where  he  was  graduated  in  1668.  He  was 
"  a  hard  Student,  a  good  Scholar,  a  great  Divine, 
and  a  wise,  steady,  and  judicious  gentleman  in  all 
his  conduct." 

He  appears  first  to  have  settled  in  the  ministry, 
at  Newark,  in  New  Jersey,  whence  he  came  to 
Killingworth,  and  was  installed  in  1694.  He  was 
greatly  respected  as  a  Pastor,  and  after  he  was 
chosen  Rector,  instructed  and  governed  the  infant 
College  with  general  approbation.  "  He  composed 
a  system  of  Natural  Philosophy,  which  the  Stu- 
dents recited  for  many  years." 

Upon  the  death  of  Rector  Pierson,  the  Reve- 
rend Samuel  Andrew,  of  Milford,  was  chosen  Rec- 
tor pro  tempore^  until  one  could  be  obtained  who 
should  reside  at  the  Collegiate  School. 

In  consequence  of  this  arrangement,  the  Senior 
Class  were  removed  to  Milford,  to  be  under  the 
instruction  of  the  Rector,  until  the  Commence- 
ment ;  the  other  Students  were  removed  to  Say- 
brook,  and  put  under  the  care  and  instruction  of 
two  Tutors. 

The  Tutors  and  Students,  being  about  twenty 
in  number,  boarded  in  private  families,  and  the 
latter  came  every  day  to  their  Tutors'  chambers, 
to  recitations  and  prayers.  Mr.  Andrew  presided 
at  Commencements,  and  together  with  Mr.  Buck- 
ingham, exercised  some  inspection  over  Tutors  and 
Students.* 

"  Clap,  p.  15. 


26 

In  this  obscure  condition,  the  College  continued 
at  Saybrook  about  seven  years,  and  apparently 
without  any  considerable  efforts  to  improve  its  con- 
dition. 

Although  it  is  the  intention  of  the  writer  to  note 
^ji  an  appendix  to  this  essay,  a  list  of  the  various 
benefactions  made  from  time  to  time  to  the  College, 
yet  the  favorable  influence  produced  on  the  infant 
institution  by  several  donations  of  books  made  in 
the  year  1713,  particularly  by  Sir  John  Davie,  of 
Groton,  who  had  recently  inherited  an  estate,  to- 
gether with  the  title  of  Baronet,  induces  him  to 
mention  it  at  this  time.*  "  Upon  his  going  to  Eng- 
land he  sent  a  good  collection  of  books  to  the 
library." 

The  greatest  donation,  however,  was  made  in  the 
year  1714,  by  Jeremiah  Diimmer,  Esq.  of  Boston, 
then  Colonial  agent  at  London.  He  sent  about 
eight  hundred  volumes  of  very  valuable  books  to 
the  institution,  about  one  hundred  and  twenty  of 
which,  were  at  his  own  cost,  and  the  rest  by  his 
procurement,  from  sundry  principal  gentlemen.  It 
is  truly  gratifying  to  every  friend  of  the  College, 
to  observe  the  honorable  and  scientific  names  asso- 
ciated with  this  benefaction.  Sir  Isaac  Newton, 
Sir  Richard  Bhickmore,  Sir  Richard  Steele,  Doc- 
tor Burnet,  Doctor  Woodicard,  Doctor  Halley, 
Doctor  Bentleij,  Doctor  Kennet,  Doctor  Calami/, 
Doctor  Edwards,  the  Rev.  Mr.  Henry,  and  Mr. 

•  Clap,  p.  17. 


27 

Winston,  severally  gave  a  collection  of  their  own 
works,  and  Governor  Yale  put  in  about  forty 
volumes.*  President  Clap  estimates  the  worth  of 
these  books  at  £250  sterling. 

Doctor  Trumbull  states  the  whole  number  of 
students  who  were  graduated  at  Saybrook,  viz. 
from  1702  to  1713,  inclusive,  as  forty  six,  of  whom 
thirty  four  became  ministers,  and  two  were  elected 
magistrates. 

Mr.  Johfi  Hart,  and  Mr.  Phineas  FisJc,  are 
mentioned  by  him  as  skilful  Tutors,  and  under 
their  instruction  many  "became  excellent  scholars, 
and  shone,  not  only  as  distinguished  lights  in  the 
churches,  but  made  a  figure  in  the  republic  of 
letters."  Seven  of  them  were  afterwards  fellows 
of  the  College  at  New  Haven ;  and  another  was 
"  that  excellent  man,  the  Rev.  Jonathan  Dickin- 
son, President  of  the  College  in  New  Jersey."t 

Soon  after  the  donations  of  books  above  men- 
tioned, the  zeal  that  had  characterized  the  early 
efforts  of  the  friends  of  the  College,  appeared  to  be 
quickened  into  new  activity;  but  increasing  dis- 
satisfaction with  regard  to  the  place  where  the 
institution  was  then  fixed,  appears  to  have  perva- 
ded the  minds,  both  of  Trustees  and  Students. 
Saybrook,  New  Haven,  Hartford,  and  Wethers- 
field,  each  had  its  advocates,  in  many  cases  influ- 
enced by  circumstances  of  personal  accommoda- 
tion. 


"  Clap.  t  Trumbull,  Hist.  Con.  p.  618. 


28 

The  Scholars  thought  that  Saybrook  was  not 
sufficiently  compact,  as  many  of  them  were  obliged 
to  reside  above  a  mile  from  the  place  of  public 
exercises,  and  "  they  were  not  pleased  with  their 
instruction  and  government ;  there  being  no  resi- 
dent Rector,  and  the  Tutors  sometimes  very 
young."* 

This  disaftection  having  been  manifested  in 
marks  of  disrespect  towards  the  Tutors,  the  Trus- 
tees met  at  Saybrook,  on  the  4th  of  April,  1716, 
and  called  the  Students  before  them,  to  explain  the 
causes  of  their  "  uneasiness  and  disorder." 

After  an  unsatisfactory  investigation,  and  long 
debate,  the  Trustees  were  unable  to  agree  in  senti- 
ments, but  at  length  granted  "a  sort  of  toleration, 
that  those  Students  who  were  uneasy,  might  go  to 
other  places  for  instruction,  till  the  next  Com- 
mencement." 

The  greater  part  of  the  Students  went  to  Weth- 
ersfield,  and  were  under  the  instruction  of  Mr. 
ElisJia  Williams ;  some  went  to  other  places,  and 
some  remained  at  Saybrook;  but  the  small  pox 
coming  there,  most  of  them  removed  to  East  Guil- 
ford,t  and  continued  there  until  Commencement, 
under  the  tuition  of  the  Rev.  Mr.  Hart  and  Rev. 
Mr.  R^ussell 

The  Collegiate  School  being  in  this  unsettled 
condition,  the  people  in  several  parts  of  the  Colony, 
began  to  subscribe  considerable  sums  of  money, 

'  <"lap,  p.  4.  t  Clap,  p.  17. 


29 

for  the  erection  of  a  College  building,  to  induce 
the  Trustees  to  set  it,  where  it  would  best  accom- 
modate them. 

About  £700  sterling  was  subscribed  for  New 
Haven;  £500  for  Saybrook;  and  a  considerable 
sum  for  Hartford  or  Wethersfield. 

At  the  Commencement  at  Saybrook,  on  the  12th 
September,  1716,  the  Trustees  entered  upon  this 
important  subject,  but  not  being  perfectly  agreed, 
they  adjourned  to  New  Haven,  to  meet  on  the  17tli 
day  of  October  following  ;  when  were  present,  the 
Rev.  Messrs.  Samuel  Andrew^  Timothy  Wood- 
bridge,  Joseph  Webb,  Samuel  Russell,  Moses 
Noyes,  John  Davenport,  Thomas  Buckingham,, 
Thomas  Ruggles. 

At  this  meeting  the  Trustees  voted,  "  that  con- 
sidering the  difficulties  of  continuing  the  Collegiate 
School  at  Saybrook,  and  that  New  Haven  is  a 
very  convenient  place  for  it,  for  which  the  most 
liberal  donations  are  given,  the  Trustees  agree  to 
remove  the  said  School  from  Saybrook  to  New 
Haven,  and  it  is  now  settled  at  New  Haven  accord- 
ingly." 

The  removal  of  the  College,  however,  was  not 
effected  without  great  difficulty ;  but  as  the  differ- 
ences of  opinions  that  existed  on  the  subject,  are 
matters,  at  the  present  day,  rather  of  curious  in- 
vestigation, than  of  practical  use,  the  writer  omits 
any  minute  extracts  from  the  records. 

The  minority  of  the  Trustees,  made  several  un- 
successful applications  to  the  General  Assembly, 


•  30 

in  which  they  remonstrated  against  the  resolutions 
of  the  Corporation.  At  length  the  Trustees,  at  a 
meeting  convened  at  New  Haven,  on  the  30th  Oc- 
tober, 1717,  "  finally  settled  the  College  at  that 
place,  to  which  vote  seven  Trustees,  for  greater 
solemnity,  set  their  hands,"*  viz. 

James  Noyes, 
Moses  Noyes, 
Samuel  Andrew, 
Samuel  Russell, 
Joseph  Webb, 
John  Davenport, 
Thomas  Ruggles. 
Some  time  before  this  decisive  vote,  the  Trus- 
tees had  agreed  to  build  a  convenient  College  and 
Rector's  House,  at  New  Haven ;  and  on  the  8th 
day  of  October,  1716,  the  first  College  edifice  was 
raised.     Mr.    Andrew   was   continued   as   Rector 
pro  tempore^  two  Tutors  were  chosen,  and  notice 
given  to  the  scattered  Scholars,  "  that  provision 
was  made  for   their  instruction  and  government 
here." 

Althouofh  much  dissatisfaction  existed  amonsr 
the  inhabitants  of  the  Colony,  the  intentions  of  the 
Trustees  were  strengthened  by  the  approving  vote 
of  the  General  Assembly,  and  several  generous 
donations  soon  gave  stability  to  the  institution. 

The  greatest  of  these  donations,  was  from  the 
Hon.  Elihu    Yale,  of  London,  Governor   of  the 

*Clap,  p.  21. 


31  ^ 

East  India  Company,  consisting  chiefly  of  books 
and  merchandize. 

The  Trustees  were  soon  enabled  to  finish  the 
College  House,  so  far  as  to  fit  it  for  the  commo- 
dious reception  of  Students.  It  was  built  of  wood, 
one  hundred  and  seventy  feet  long,  twenty  two  feet 
wide,  and  three  stories  high ;  contained  n^r  fifty 
studies,  besides  the  Hall,  Library,  and  Kitchen, 
and  cost  about  £1000  sterling. 

On  the  12th  September,  1718,  the  first  com- 
mencement took  place  at  New  Haven ;  as  the 
ceremonies  on  that  occasion  are  noticed  in  a  con- 
densed and  happy  manner,  by  President  Clap,  his 
account  is  given  without  alteration.* 

"  On  September,  12th,  1718,"  says  the  learned 
annalist,  "there  was  a  splendid  commencement 
held  at  New  Haven,  where  were  present,  besides 
the  Trustees,  the  Honorable  Gurdon  Saltonstall, 
Esq.  Governor  of  the  Colony  of  Connecticut;  the 
Honorable  William  Taylor,  Esq.  as  representing 
Governor  Yale ;  the  honorable  Nathan  Gold,  Esq. 
Deputy  Governor,  sundry  of  the  worshipful  Assist- 
ants ;  the  Judges  of  the  Circuit;  a  great  number 
of  reverend  Ministers,  and  a  great  concourse  of 
spectators. 

"  The  Trustees,  in  commemoration  of  Governor 
Yale's  great  generosity,  called  the  Collegiate 
School,  after  his  name,  Yale  College ;  and  entered 
a  memorial  thereof  upon  record,  which  is  as  fol- 
lows. 

»  Clap,  p.  21. 


•  32 

"Generosissima,  lionoratissimi  Domini  Elihu 
Yale  Armigeri,  Donatione,  vigilantes  Scholae  aca- 
demicae,  in  splendido  Novi  Portus  Connecticuten- 
sis  oppido  constituta?,  Curatores,  iEdificium  Colle- 
giale  inceptum  erectumque,  perficere  capaces  red- 
diti,  Honorem  tali  tantoq ;  Ma)cenati  Patronoq ; 
debitu4>i,  animo  gratissimo  meditantes,  Memoriamq ; 
tantiBeneficii  in  banc  pr?ecipue  Coloniam  collati,in 
omne  iEvum  modo  optimo  perducere  studiosi :  Nos 
Curatores,  Negotii  tanti,  in  commune  prsesertim 
hujus  Provincia?  Populi  bonum,  Momenti,  Cura 
honorati,  oinothumadon  consentimus,  statuimus  et 
ordinamus,  nostras  iEdes  academicas  Patroni  mu- 
nificentissimi  Nomine  appellari,  atque  Yalense 
Colleo-lutn  nominari ;  ut  hsec  Provincia  diutur- 
num  Viri  adeo  Generosi,  qui,  tanta  Benevolentia 
tantaq;  Nobilitate,inCommodumillorum  maximum 
propriamque  Incolarum,  et  in  prgesenti  et  futuris 
saeculis,  utilitatem  consuluit,  Monumentum  retineat 
et  conservet. 

Jacobus  Noyes, 
Moses  Noyes, 
Samuel  Andrew, 
Samuel  Russell, 
JosEPiius  Webb, 
Johannes  Davenport, 
Thomas  Ruggles, 
Stephanus  Buckingham." 

"  Which,"  says  President  Clap,  "  I  shall  trans- 
late for  the  sake  of  the  English  reader." 


3:^ 

"  The  Trustees  ot"  the  Collegiate  School,  consti- 
tuted in  the  splendid  town  of  New  Haven,  in  Con- 
necticut, being  enabled  by  the  most  generous  dona- 
tion of  the  Honorable  Elihii  Yale,  Esq.  to  finish 
the  College  House,  already  begun  and  erected, 
gratefully  considering  the  honor  due  to  such  and 
so  great  a  benefactor  and  patron ;  and  being  desi- 
rous, in  the  best  manner,  to  perpetuate  to  all  ages 
the  memory  of  so  great  a  benefit,  conferred  chiefly 
on  this  colon}^;  We,  the  Trustees,  having  the 
honor  of  being  intrusted  with  an  affair  of  so  great 
importance  to  the  common  good  of  the  people, 
especially  of  this  Province,  do  with  one  consent 
agree,  determine  and  ordain,  that  our  College 
House  shall  be  called  by  the  name  of  its  munifi- 
cent patron,  and  shall  be  named  Yale  College  : 
that  this  Province  may  keep  and  preserve  a  lasting 
monument  of  such  a  generous  gentleman,  who,  by 
so  great  a  benevolence  and  generosity,  has  provi- 
ded for  their  greatest  good,  and  the  peculiar  ad- 
vantage of  the  inhabitants,  both  in  the  present  and 
future  ages." 

"  On  the  Commencement  day  morning,  this  mon- 
ument, both  of  generosity  and  gratitude,  was,  with 
solemn  pomp  read  off  in  the  College  Hall,  both  in 
Latin  and  English  ;  then  the  procession  moved  to 
the  meeting  house,  to  attend  the  public  exercises 
of  the  day:  wherein,  besides  the  oration  made  by 
one  of  the  Bachelors,  the  Rev.  Mr.  John  Daven- 
port, one  of  the  Trustees,  at  the  desire  of  the  body, 
made  a  florid  oration,  wherein  he  largely  insisted 


34 

upon,  and  highly  extolled  the  generosity  of  Gov- 
ernor Yale.  Eight  candidates  received  the  honor 
of  a  degree  of  Bachelor  of  Arts ;  and  several 
more  were  created  Masters.  And  the  Honorable 
Governor  Saltonstall  was  pleased  to  grace  and 
crown  the  whole  solemnity,  with  an  elegant  Latin 
oration;  wherein  he  congratulated  the  present  hap- 
py state  of  the  College,  in  being  fixed  at  New 
Haven,  and  enriched  with  so  many  noble  benefac- 
tions; and  particularly  celebrated  the  great  gene- 
rosity of  Governor  Yale,  with  much  respect  and 
honor. 

"  The  Trustees,  on  the  same  occasion,  sent  ap- 
propriate letters  of  thanks  to  Governor  Yale,  Mr. 
Dummer,  and  General  Nicholson,  for  their  dona- 
tions." 

The  College  being  thus  permanently  established 
at  New  Haven,  the  most  judicious  measures  were 
adopted,  for  reconciling  the  conflicting  opinions  of 
many  respectable  inhabitants,  who  still  manifested 
symptoms  of  dissatisfaction. 

"On  the  same  day  upon  which  the  commence- 
ment was  carried  on  at  New  Haven,  something- 
like  a  Commencement  was  carried  on  at  Wethers- 
field,"  and  degrees  conferred  on  five  scholars.  The 
Trustees  quieted  that,  opposition,  by  subsequently 
granting  to  those  scholars  diplomas  under  the 
authority  of  Yale  College,  and  inserting  their 
names  in  the  catalogue. 

To  produce  more  general  harmony,  the  General 
Assembly  ordered  "  that  a  State  House  should  be 


35 

built  at  Hartford,  to  compensate  for  the  College  at 
New  Haven,"  and  that  £25  sterling  should  be 
given  to  Saybrook,  for  the  use  of  their  school. 

In  December  following,  the  Library  was,  by 
order  of  the  Trustees,  and  with  the  aid  of  the 
Governor  and  Council,  removed  from  Saybrook  to 
New  Haven.  The  execution  of  a  warrant  to  that 
effect,  issued  to  the  Sheriff,  was  resisted  by  a  large 
number  of  men,  and  in  the  struggle  that  ensued, 
about  two  hundred  and  fifty  volumes  of  valuable 
books,  and  sundry  important  papers,  were  convey- 
ed away  by  unknown  persons,  and  never  recovered. 

This  struggle,  characterized  by  indecent  vio- 
lence, and  serious  loss,  closed  the  academic  war, 
and  Yale  College  became  permanently  established 
in  New  Haven. 


36 


CHAPTER    III. 

The  Rectoi-sliip  vi'  the  Ucv.  Timnlliy  Culler,  8.  T.  D. 

The  permanent  establishment  of  the  College  at 
New  Haven  ;  the  convenience  of  its  buildings,  and 
the  liberal  donations  of  its  benefactors,  soon  pro- 
duced an  auspicious  change  in  the  prospects  of  the 
institution;  and  attracted  towards  it  the  "notice 
of  the  learned  world."*  The  number  of  Students 
increased  to  about  forty,  who  were  under  the  im- 
mediate instruction  of  two  Tutors,  and  received 
also  more  attention  from  their  rector  Mr.  Andrew, 
from  their  vicinity  to  Milford,  his  place  of  resi- 
dence. 

But  a  spirit  of  disorder,  that  had  prevailed  in 
the  Colony  for  so  long  a  time,  in  relation  to  the 
College,  had  weakened  the  principles  of  subordina- 
tion among  the  Students,  and  created  vicious  habits 
that  required  the  corrective  influence  of  a  more 
energetic  government.  With  a  view  to  effect  that 
object,  the  Trustees  convened  in  March,  1719,  and 
chose  the  Rev.  Timothy  Cutler  of  Stratford,  to  be 
the  Resldeut  Rector^  until  their  next  meeting.  He 
immediately  entered  upon  the  duties  of  his  office, 
and  discharged  them  in  a  manner  so  satisfactory 
to  the  Trustees,  that  at  their  next  meeting,  in  Sep- 
tember, they  confirmed  his  appointment. 

*  Tninibull,  Vol.  \\.  p.  32. 


To  compensate  the  people  of  Stratford,  tljr  tlic 
loss  of  their  Pastor,  the  Trustees  purchased  "  Mr. 
Cutler's  house  and  home  lot,"  for  the  sum  of  £84 
sterling,  and  presented  it  to  them.  A  rare  instance 
of  justice  and  generosity ;  whereby  the  Trustees 
evinced  that  they  did  not  regard  the  prospect  of 
greater  usefulness,  (without  a  reasonable  compen- 
sation to  the  people,)  as  alone  sufficient  to  author- 
ize a  dissolution  of  ministerial  obligations. 

From  revenues  arising  chiefly  from  donations 
for  that  particular  purpose,  the  Trustees  also  built, 
for  the  accommodation  of  Mr.  Cutler,  a  Rector's 
House,  which,  with  the  land,  cost  £260  sterling.* 

Rector  Cutler  was  popular  with  the  General 
Assembly,  the  Clergy,  and  the  Students  ;  and  the 
College  seemed  destined,  under  his  judicious  gui- 
dance, to  realize  the  hopes  of  its  founders ;  but  not- 
withstanding all  these  circumstances  of  outward 
prosperity,  its  harmony  was  soon  disturbed  by  new 
and  unexpected  events.  At  the  Commencement  in 
1722,  it  was  discovered  that  the  Rector,  one  of  the 
Tutors,  (Mr.  Brown,)  and  two  of  the  neighboring 
ministers,  (Mr.  Johnson  of  West  Haven,  and  Mr. 
Wetmore,  of  North  Haven,)  "had  agreed  to  leave 
the  communion  of  the  Churches  in  the  Colony  of 
Connecticut,  and  to  go  to  England  for  Episcopal 
ordination."  This  discovery  created  great  sur- 
prise in  the  minds  of  the  people  and  Trustees,  as 
there  was  not,  at  the  time,  a  single  clergyman  of 

"Clap.  p.  31. 


38 

the  Episcopal  order  in  the  Colony,*  and  but  few  of 
the  laity  inclined  to  that  persuasion.  So  intimately 
connected,  at  that  period,  were  the  interests  of  the 
Church  with  the  civil  government,  of  the  Colony, 
that  on  that  occasion  Governor  Saltonstall,  a  dis- 
tinguished and  learned  gentleman,  considered  the 
matter  of  such  general  importance,  "that  he  public- 
ly disputed  at  the  Commencement,  w  ith  Mr.  Cutler, 
on  the  subject  of  Episcopacy."  It  need  hardly  be 
added,  when  the  sentiments  and  opinions  of  the  au- 
dience are  considered,  "  that  he  was  judged  by  the 
clergy  and  spectators  in  general,  to  have  been  supe- 
rior to  Mr.  Cutler,  as  to  argument,  and  that  he  gave 
them  much  satisfaction  relative  to  the  subject."t 

In  consequence  of  this  discovery,  (as  was  un- 
doubtedly the  expectation  of  Mr.  Cutler,)  a  disso- 
lution of  the  connection  between  the  Rector  and 
College  took  place.  As  he  had  changed  his  opin- 
ions, with  regard  to  the  religious  tenets,  to  which 
he  had  given  his  assent,  when  chosen  as  head  of 
the  institution,  and  as  the  College  was  primarily 
designed  to  promote  the  interests  of  the  Presbyte- 
rian church;  his  continuance  in  office,  could  not 
have  been  desirable  to  either  party. 

The  Trustees  did  not,  however,  proceed  with 
precipitation,  but  delayed  the  expression  of  their 
resolution,  until  they  had  an  opportunity  to  ascer- 
tain the  sentiments  of  the  General  Assembly,  and 
the  people  of  the  Colony. 

Having  effected  that  object,  on  the  17th  October, 
1722,  among  other  votes  they  adopted  the  following : 

"*  Clap  and  Trumbull.  t  Clap. 


39 

"  Voted,  That  the  Trustees,  in  faithfuhiess  to  the 
trust  reposed  m  them;  do  excuse  the  Rev.  Mr. 
Cutler  from  all  further  service,  as  Rector  of  Yale 
College.* 

"  Voted,  That  the  Trustees  accept  the  resigna- 
tion which  Mr.  Brown  hath  made  of  his  office  as 
Tutor. 

"  Voted,  That  all  such  persons  as  shall  hereafter 
be  elected  to  the  office  of  Rector  or  Tutor  in  this 
College,  shall,  before  they  are  accepted  therein, 
before  the  Trustees,  declare  their  assent  to  the 
Confession  of  Faitli^  owned  and  assented  to  by 
the  Elders  and  Messengers  of  the  Churches  in  the 
Colony  of  Connecticut,  assembled  by  delegation, 
at  Saybrook,  September  9,  1708 ;  and  conffi-med 
by  act  of  the  General  Assembly  ;  and  shall  partic- 
ularly give  satisfaction  to  them,  of  the  soundness 
of  their  faith,  in  opposition  to  Arminian  and  pre- 
latical  corruptions,  or  any  other  of  dangerous  con- 
sequence to  the  purity  and  peace  of  our  churches. 
But  if  it  can't  be  before  the  Trustees,  it  shall  be  in 
the  power  of  any  two  Trustees,  with  the  Rector, 
to  examine  a  Tutor,  with  respect  to  the  confession 
and  soundness  of  iiis  faith,  in  opposition  to  said 
corruptions. 

"Voted,  That  upon  just  ground  of  suspicion  of 
the  Rector  or  Tutors  inclination  to  Arminian  or 
prelatical  principles,  a  meeting  of  the  Trustees 
shall  be  called,  as  soon  as  may  be,  to  examine  into 
the  case." 

"*  Clap,  p.  32. 


10 

Thus,  alter  tiio  lapse  of  about  three  and  a  half 
years,  the  office  of  Rector  again  became  vacant. 

The  loss  of  Dr.  Cutler  must  have  been  severely 
felt,  as  both  his  contemporaries,  and  subsequent 
writers,  who  dillered  from  him  in  religious  creed, 
have  borne  honorable  testimony  to  his  talents  and 
virtues. 

The  writer  extracts  the  following  sketch  of  his 
character  from  the  appendix  to  Doctor  Holmes' 
life  of  President  Stiles,  p.  387. 

"  Doctor  Cutler  was  educated  at  Harvard  Col- 
lege, in  Cambridge,  and  graduated  there  in  1701. 
In  the  year  1710,  he  was  ordained  over  a  church 
at  Stratford,  according  to  the  constitution  of  the 
Churches  in  Connecticut.  After  his  removal  from 
the  Rectorate,  he  went  to  England,  and  took  E])is- 
copal  orders,  and  received  the  degree  of  Doctor  in 
Divinity,  from  both  the  universities  of  Oxford  and 
Cambridge.  He  was  afterwards  Rector  of  Christ's 
Church  in  Boston,  and  died  there  in  August,  1765. 
He  was  a  gentleman  of  superior  natural  powers 
and  learning;  and  entertained  a  high  opinion  of 
the  constitution  of  the  Churcli  of  England,  and 
was  zealously  attached  to  it.*  He  was  an  excellent 
linguist ;  a  great  Hebrician  and  Orientalist.  He 
had  more  knowledge  of  the  Arabic,  in  Doctor  Stiles' 
judgment,  than  any  man  in  New  England  before 
him,  except  President  Chauncy,  and  his  disciple, 
the  first  Mr.  Thatcher.     He  was  a  good  logician, 

*  President  Clap. 


41 

geographer  and  rhetorician.  In  the  philosophy, 
and  metaphysics,  and  ethics,  of  his  day,  he  was 
great.  He  spoke  Latin  with  great  fluency  and 
dignity,  and  with  great  propriety  of  pronunciation. 
He  was  a  man  of  extensive  reading  in  the  aca- 
demic sciences,  Divinity,  and  Ecclesiastical  His- 
tory :  and  of  a  commanding  presence  and  dignity 
in  government.  He  was  of  a  lofty  and  despotic 
mien,  and  made  a  grand  figure  at  the  head  of  a 
College."* 

Doctor  Dwight  states,  in  his  Statistical  Account 
of  New  Haven,  that  Doctor  Cutler  was  a  native 
of  Charlestown,  Massachusetts,  and  that  he  died 
in  Boston  in  1765,  being  eighty  two  years  of  age. 

After  Mr.  Cutler's  removal,  there  was  no  perma- 
nent resident  Rector,  for  nearly  four  years.  Dur- 
ing this  period,  the  Trustees,  in  turns,  of  about  a 
month  each,  resided  at  the  College,  with  the  au- 
thority of  Rector.  Mr.  Andrew  presided,  and 
conferred  degrees,  at  the  Commencements,  in  the 
years  1724,  1725,  and  1726. 

It  was  soon  ascertained  that  this  mode  of  gov- 
ernment, would  not  answer  the  wishes  of  the  Trus- 
tees ;  that  ill  habits  formerly  contracted  by  the 
Students,  were  not  easily  eradicated ;  and  before 
the  Vice  Rector  had  time  to  learn  by  experience 
how  to  execute  his  office  to  advantage,  he  resigned 
his  post. 

'*  President  Stiles'  Literary  Diary. 

6 


42 

During  this  period,  but  little  occurred  affecting 
the  interest  of  the  College,  that  it  is  deemed  wor- 
thy of  record,  except  the  following. 

In  the  year  1723,  the  Trustees  sent  to  Mr.  Daniel 
Turner,  of  London,  a  diploma,  creating  him  Doc- 
tor of  Physic.  This  honor  appears  to  have  been 
the  first  of  the  kind  bestowed  by  the  College,  and 
in  this  instance,  to  have  been  "  conferred  in  token 
of  their  sense  of  his  liberality,  in  sending  to  the 
Library  sundry  volumes  of  his  own  works,  on 
Physic  and  Chirurgery ;  and  a  collection  of  other 
valuable  books,  principally  on  the  same  subject.* 

On  the  10th  October,  1723,  the  General  Assem- 
bly passed  an  act,  explanatory  of  and  additional  to 
the  Charter,  in  which  it  was  declared,  "  That  any 
Trustee  might  resign  his  office  when  he  should  see 
cause.  That  seven  Trustees  convened  at  any 
meeting,  properly  warned,  should  be  a  quorum; 
and  have  power  to  act  by  a  majority  then  present : 
and  to  appoint  a  clerk  to  register  their  acts.  That 
a  minister  of  thirty  years  of  age,  might  be  chosen 
a  Trustee ;  and  that  the  Rector  should  be  a  Trus- 
tee ex  officio. 

*  Clap,  p.  31. 


43 


CHAPTER  IV. 

Rectorship  of  the  Rev.  EUsha  Williams. 

The  evils  resulting  from  the  loose  and  irrespon- 
sible system  of  government,  necessarily  growing 
out  of  monthly  changes  of  Trustees,  acting  as  Vice 
Rectors ;  and  probably  also,  a  want  of  uniformity 
in  Collegiate  instruction,  arising  from  the  same 
cause,  at  length  convinced  the  Trustees,  that  the 
reins  of  executive  authority  should  be  confided  to  a 
single  hand. 

Accordingly,  on  the  29th  September,  1725,  they 
chose  the  Rev.  Elisha  Williams,  minister  of  New- 
ington,  a  parish  of  Wethersfield,  to  be  Rector  of 
the  College,  and  appointed  Mr.  Woodbridge,  Mr. 
Buckingham  and  Mr.  Whitman,  to  obtain  his  ac- 
ceptance thereof* 

On  this  occasion,  the  same  equitable  spirit, 
that  had  been  manifested  by  the  Trustees,  when 
they  solicited  the  services  of  Doctor  Cutler, 
governed  their  conduct.  They  applied  to  the 
General  Assembly,  requesting  them  to  make  satis- 
faction to  the  parish  of  Newington,  on  account  of 
their  minister's  removal,  and  the  Assembly  accord- 
ingly released  the  parish  from  their  County  tax  for 
three  years. 

*  Clap,  p.  35. 


44 

At  the  Commencement  in  1726,  Mr.  Andrew 
still  presided,  but  on  the  succeeding  day,  Rector 
Williams  was  duly  installed  in  the  following  man- 
ner: 

In  the  Library-room,  in  the  presence  of  the 
Trustees,  he  gave  his  assent  to  the  Confession  of 
Faith  and  rules  of  Church  discipline,  agreed  upon 
by  the  Churches  of  the  Colony,  in  1708.  After 
dinner  he  delivered  a  public  oration  in  the  Hall, 
and  the  Trustees  successively  came  and  saluted 
him  as  Rector. 

Soon  after  the  installation  of  Rector  Williams, 
the  condition  of  the  College  under  his  energetic 
and  wise  government,  began  to  improve.  He  sup- 
pressed the  vice  and  disorder  that  had  so  long  pre- 
vailed, introduced  many  salutary  and  beneficial 
rules,  and  cultivated,  among  the  graver  studies,  that 
had  before  almost  exclusively  occupied  the  attention 
of  the  Students,  who  were  principally  destined  for 
the  ministry,  a  taste  for  useful  and  polite  literature. 
During  the  administration  of  Rector  Williams, 
many  distinguished  men  w  ere  educated  at  the  insti- 
tution. Among  them,  may  be  mentioned,  as  better 
known  to  fame,  of  the  Clergy,  Eleazer  Wheelock, 
S.  T.  D.  President  and  Founder  of  Dartmouth 
College ;  Rev.  Aaron  Burr,  President  of  Nassau 
College  ;  Joseph  Bellamy,  S.  T.  D.  of  Connecticut. 
Of  Civilians,  Chief  Justice  Eliphalet  Dyer  of  Con- 
necticut ;  Philip  Livingston,  of  New  York,  one  of 
the  committee  appointed  to  draft  the  Declaration  of 
American  Independence,  and  William  Livingston 
Covernor  of  New  Jersey. 


4« 

ft' 


45 

During  his  adininistraiion  also,  various  important 
additions  were  made  to  the  funds  and  property  of 
the  College.  Among  them,  was  a  grant  of  fifteen 
hundred  acres  of  land,  made  by  the  General  Assem- 
bly, in  October  1732;  and  for  which  a  confirmatory 
patent  was  issued.  May  16,  1741. 

But  the  most  munificent  benefactor  of  the  Col- 
lege, at  this  period,  was  the  celebrated  Doctor 
George  Berkeley,  then  Dean  of  Derry  in  Ireland, 
afterwards  Bishop  of  Cloyne.  He  came  to  North 
America,  in  order  to  found  an  Episcopal  College, 
and  resided  for  a  year  or  two  at  Newport,  in  Rhode 
Island,  where  he  purchased  a  country  seat  and 
ninety  six  acres  of  land. 

During  his  residence  there,  he  became  acquaint- 
ed with  the  Rev.  Jared  Elliot,  of  Killingworth,  one 
of  the  Trustees,  the  Rev.  Samuel  Johnson,  Epis- 
copal minister  at  Stratford,  and  other  gentlemen, 
who  informed  him  of  the  state  and  character  of  the 
College.  Their  information,  together  with  a  cor- 
respondence with  Rector  Williams,  on  the  subject, 
were  the  occasions  of  his  generous  donations. 

While  he  resided  at  Newport,  he  presented  to 
the  College  a  copy  of  his  own  works,  and  having 
abandoned  the  design  of  founding  a  College  in 
North  America,  returned  to  London.  In  the  year 
1732,  he  sent  a  deed  of  his  farm  at  Rhode  Island, 
to  the  College,  but  owing  to  some  descriptions  and 
conditions  contained  in  it,  not  adapted  to  the  state 
of  the  College,  he  sent  the  next  year  another  deed, 
in  which  the  terms  of  the  gift  were  specifically 
stated.     They  were  in  substance  as  follows  : 


46 

1st.  That  the  rents  of  the  farm  should  be  appro- 
priated to  the  maintenance  of  the  three  best  schol- 
ars in  Greek  and  Latin,  who  should  reside  at 
College,  at  least  nine  months  in  a  year,  in  each  of 
the  three  years,  between  their  first  and  second  de- 
grees. 

2d.  That  on  the  sixth  day  of  May,  annually,  or 
in  case  that  should  be  Sunday,  on  the  seventh,  the 
candidates  should  be  publicly  examined,  by  the 
President  or  Rector,  and  the  senior  Episcopal 
Missionary,  within  the  Colony,  who  should  be  then 
present.  And  in  case  none  should  be  present,  then 
by  the  President  only. 

3d.  In  case  the  President  and  senior  Missionary 
should  not  agree  in  their  sentiments,  who  were  the 
best  scholars,  the  case  should  be  determined  by  lot. 

4th.  That  all  surplus  money,  which  should  hap- 
pen by  any  vacancies,  should  be  distributed  in 
Greek  and  Latin  books,  to  such  under  graduate 
Students,  as  should  make  the  best  composition  or 
declamation,  in  the  Latin  tongue,  upon  such  a  moral 
theme  as  should  be  given  them. 

"  This  premium,"  observes  President  Clap,  "  has 
been  a  great  incitement  to  a  laudable  ambition  to 
excel  in  the  knowledge  of  the  Classics."  So  far, 
however,  as  the  writer's  knowledge  extends,  the 
experience  of  more  modern  times  has  not  realized 
the  expectations  formed  from  this  benefaction. 

But  a  more  valuable  donation,  made  to  the 
College,  by  their  disinterested  benefactor.  Doctor 
Berkeley,  was  a  collection  of  books,  "  the  finest,  (as 


47 

President  Clap  says,)  that  ever  came  together  at  one 
time  into  America."  "  The  number  was  near  one 
thousand  volumes,  (including  those  which  he  had 
sent  before,)  whereof  two  hundred  and  sixty  were 
folios,  and  generally  very  large.  It  was  supposed 
to  have  cost  at  least,  £400  sterling,  which  was  con- 
tributed partly  by  Doctor  Berkeley,  but  principally 
by  his  procurement,  by  "some  generous  gentlemen 
in  England." 

At  the  time  of  the  receipt  of  the  books,  and  re- 
peatedly afterwards,  the  Trustees  expressed  to 
Doctor  Berkeley,  their  grateful  sense  of  his  gene- 
rosity, and  he  has  continued  to  occupy  an  exalted 
place  in  the  affections  and  respect  of  their  suc- 
cessors. 

In  closing  this  brief  notice  of  the  splendid  liber- 
ality of  Doctor  Berkeley,  it  may  be  remarked,  that 
the  fostering  regard  thus  shown,  by  a  distinguished 
prelate  of  the  Episcopal  Church,  for  the  prosperity 
of  the  College,  so  soon  after  the  dismission  of  Doc- 
tor Cutler,  furnishes  strong  evidence,  that  the  con- 
duct of  the  Trustees  on  that  occasion  had  not  been 
construed  by  liberal  men,  to  the  prejudice  of  the  in- 
stitution, and  the  ready  zeal  of  the  Rev.  Mr.  Johnson, 
of  Stratford,  who  accompanied  Doctor  Cutler  to  Eng- 
land, in  producing  these  benefactions,  furnishes 
honorable  and  confirmatory  proof  of  the  same  fact. 
It  was  known  that  some  religious  creed  must  neces- 
sarily be  connected  with  the  government  of  every 
well  ordered  institution,  and  they  were  not  disposed 
to  sacrifice  the  interests  of  learninix,  because  Yale 


48 

College  had  adopted  that  which  was  professed  by 
nearly  the  whole  population  of  the  Colony. 

The  circumstances  of  the  gift,  however,  confer 
additional  lustre  on  the  character  of  Doctor  Berke- 
ley, by  placing  his  beneficence  above  the  selfish 
considerations  of  sectarianism.  The  noble  exam- 
ple of  the  father,  was  afterwards  copied  by  his  son, 
the  Rev.  Doctor  Berkeley,  of  St.  Andrews,  of  whom 
history  records,  "  that  in  the  work  of  beneficence, 
he  knew  neither  sect  nor  party  ;  but  administered 
his  bounty  equally  to  Nonjurors  and  Episcopal- 
ians."* 

But  to  return  to  our  narrative.  Rector  Williams, 
after  having  discharged  his  official  duties  for  about 
thirteen  years,  with  honorable  fidelity  and  talents, 
and  when  the  College  was  prospering  under  his 
judicious  guidance,  at  length  found,  that  "  the  sea 
air,  and  southerly  winds  at  New  Haven,  had  so  far 
impaired  his  health,  as  to  incapacitate  him  at  times 
for  business ;','  he  therefore  resolved  to  resign  his 
office.  This  he  accordingly  did,  on  the  31st  Octo- 
ber, 1739;  on  which  occasion,  the  Trustees  bore 
honorable  testimony  to  his  worth,  by  returning  him 
"  their  hearty  thanks  for  his  good  service  to  the 
College:' 

The  character  and  life  of  Rector  Williams,  fur- 
nish a  beautiful  illustration  of  the  times  in  which 
he  lived.  The  sons  of  the  Pilgrims,  were  then 
laying  the  broad  foundations  of  a  future  empire ; 

"  Percy  Anecdotes. 


49 

and  in  their  pursuits  and  extended  range  of  thoughts 
and  occupations,  they  were  rather  governed  by 
their  anticipations  of  the  future,  than  by  present 
circumstances.  Talents  and  not  money,  became 
the  current  circulation,  and  were  sought  for,  and 
cherished  wherever  discovered.  In  the  constant 
changes  going  on  in  new  colonies,  educated  men 
could  not  confine  themselves  to  single  branches, 
but  were  obliged  to  learn  every  thing,  that  might 
conduce  to  present  security  or  future  prosperity. 

Rector  Williams  was  born  at  Hatfield,  and  edu- 
cated at  Harvard  College,  Massachusetts,  where 
he  was  graduated  in  the  year  1711.  He  qualified 
himself  for  the  ministry,  and  was  settled  as  pastor, 
over  Newington  parish,  in  Wethersfield.  He  was 
withdrawn  from  his  pastoral  charge  in  1726,  by 
accepting  the  Presidency  of  Yale  College.  He 
continued  in  the  active  and  honorable  performance 
of  the  arduous  duties  of  that  station,  for  thirteen 
years,  when  he  resigned  in  consequence  of  ill  health 
in  1739. 

After  his  resignation,  he  resided  on  his  own 
estate,  in  Wethersfield,  probably  engaged  in  agri- 
cultural pursuits.  He  was  successively  chosen  and 
served,  as  a  member  of  the  House  of  Representa- 
tives, Speaker  of  the  House,  and  a  Judge  of  the 
Superior  Court. 

Having  thus  attained  to  the  highest  distinctions 

in  ministerial,  collegiate,   legislative  and  judicial 

employment,  he  was  induced  to  resume  his  clerical 

functions,   but  blended   with  a  new   employment; 

7 


50 

and  in  1745,  went  as  chaplain  in  the  army,  in  the 
celebrated  expedition  against  Cape  Breton. 

Talents  so  versatile,  united  with  such  varied  and 
extensive  iaiformation,  as  he  possessed,  advanced 
him  soon  in  military  rank,  and  in  1746,  he  was  ap- 
pointed Colonel  of  a  Regiment,  on  a  proposed  ex- 
pedition against  Canada. 

A  few  years  afterwards,  he  went  to  England  as 
an  agent,  to  obtain  the  pay  due  to  himself  and 
Regiment.  He  there  cultivated  an  acquaintance 
and  intimacy,  with  many  gentlemen  of  distinction ; 
and  after  marrying  a  lady  of  superior  accomplish- 
ments, returned  to  his  seat  in  Wethersfield. 

He  died  at  Wethersfield,  July  24,  1755,  aged 
sixty  one  years.  So  great  a  variety  of  honorable 
occupations,  successfully  discharged  by  a"n  individ- 
ual, is  rarely  recorded  in  the  history  of  man. 

His  virtues  and  talents  won  the  applause  both 
of  European  and  American  biographers. 

Doctor  Doddridge,  who  was  intimately  acquaint- 
ed with  him,  in  England,  bestowed  upon  him  this 
beautiful  and  comprehensive  eulogy. 

"  I  look  upon  Colonel  Williams  to  be  one  of  the 
most  valuable  men  upon  earth.  He  has  joined  to 
an  ardent  sense  of  religion,  solid  learning,  consum- 
mate prudence,  great  candor,  and  sweetness  of 
temper,  and  a  certain  nobleness  of  soul,  capable  of 
contriving  and  acting  the  greatest  things,  without 
seeming  to  be  conscious  of  having  done  them." 

An  American  writer  says  of  him,  "  He  was  a 
good  classical  scholar,  well  versed  in  logic,  meta- 


51 

physics  and  ethics,  and  in  rhetoric  and  oratory. 
He  presided  at  Commencement  with  great  honor. 
He  spoke  Latin  freely,  and  dehvered  orations 
gracefully,  and  with  animated  dignity."* 

The  Rev.  Mr.  Lockwood,  who  delivered  a  funer- 
al sermon  at  his  death,  says  of  his  character  as 
President,  "  He  presided  with  wisdom,  gravity  and 
authority;  applied  himself  with  care  and  assiduity, 
to  guard  and  secure  the  Students,  both  from  what- 
ever might  blemish  and  wound  their  moral  charac- 
ters, and  from  errors  and  mistakes  in  matters  of 
religion;  and  to  form  their  minds,  not  only  to  use- 
ful knowlege  and  learning,  but  to  virtue  and  real 
piety." 

*  Stiles'  Literary  Diary. 


52 


CHAPTER  V. 

Rectorship  and  Presidency  of  the  Rev.  Thomas  Clap. 

The  state  of  Rector  Williams'  health,  for  a  con- 
siderable time  previous  to  his  resignation,  had  pre- 
pared the  Trustees  for  that  event,  and  enabled  them 
therefore,  to  appoint  a  successor,  without  delay. 
In  the  selection  made,  the  influence  of  Rector 
Williams,  who  enjoyed  the  confidence  and  esteem  . 
of  the  Trustees,  and  had  given  stability  and  repu- 
tation to  the  College,  was  undoubtedly  fully  exert- 
ed ;  as  he  must  have  felt,  that  his  own  honorable 
fame  was  in  a  great  degree,  connected  with  the 
reputation  of  an  institution,  that  had  flourished  so 
much  under  his  judicious  guidance. 

On  the  day,  therefore,  of  the  resignation  of  Rec- 
tor Williams,  the  Rev.  Thomas  Clop^  minister  of 
Windham,  was  chosen  Rector,  and  the  Rev.  Eben- 
ezer  Williams  and  Samuel  Woodbridge,  were  ap^ 
pointed  to  treat  with  him  and  his  people,  in  order 
to  obtain  his  acceptance  of  the  office. 

"  The  History  of  Yale  College,"  published  by 
this  learned  gentleman,  in  the  year  1766,  to  which 
the  compiler  of  this  essay  is  indebted,  for  the  most 
important  facts,  in  relation  to  the  early  history  of 
the  College,  will  constitute  almost  his  exclusive 
guide,  during  his  Presidency.     Indeed,  with  the 


53 

exception  of  some  minute  particulars,  which  will  be 
omitted,  as  uninteresting,  in  a  general  history  of 
the  College,  his  narration  will  be  chiefly  adopted, 
both  in  style  and  matter. 

The  people  of  Windham,  whose  attachments  to 
Mr.  Clap,  based  as  they  were  on  the  excellence  of 
his  pastoral  character,  and  his  superior  learning, 
were  naturally  strong,  could  not  easily  be  persuad- 
ed to  part  with  their  minister.  The  matter  was, 
however,  referred  to  a  council  of  the  Churches  in 
the  county,  who  after  a  public  hearing,  advised  his 
immediate  acceptance  of  the  office  of  Rector. 

"  At  a  meeting  of  the  Trustees,  on  the  2d  day 
of  April  following,  he  was  installed  in  the  following 
manner,  viz.  He  gave  his  consent  to  the  Confession 
of  Faith,  and  rules  of  Church  Discipline,  agreed 
upon  by  the  Churches  in  the  Colony  of  Connec- 
ticut, assembled  by  delegation,  at  Saybrook,  in 
1708 ;  and  gave  satisfaction  as  to  the  soundness  of 
his  principles,  according  to  the  act  of  the  Trustees. 
Then  they  went  into  the  Hall;  the  Rev.  Mr. 
Whitman,  the  Moderator,  began  with  prayer;  and 
one  of  the  Students  made  an  oration  proper  for  the 
occasion.  Then  the  Moderator  made  a  speech  in 
Latin,  wherein  he  committed  the  care  of  instruct- 
ing and  governing  the  College,  to  the  Rector ;  and 
he  concluded  the  whole  with  an  oration." 

•The  Legislature,  on  this  occasion  also,  made 
compensation  to  the  people  of  Windham,  for  the 
loss  of  their  Pastor,  the  value  of  which  was  ascer- 
tained  by  a  singular  rule  of  computation.     The 


54 

Trustees  of  College,  and  the  Committee  of  the 
Society,  agreed  to  refer  it  to  three  members  of 
the  General  Assembly,  to  ascertain  the  amount. 
"  Those  gentlemen  were  of  opinion,  that  inasmuch 
as  Mr.  Clap  had  been  in  the  ministry  at  Windham, 
fourteen  years,  which  was  about  half  the  time 
ministers  in  general  continue  in  their  public  work; 
the  people  ought  to  have  half  so  much  as  they 
gave  him  for  a  settlement ;  which  upon  computa- 
tion, was  about  fifty  three  pounds  sterling."  On 
application  of  the  Trustees,  the  General  Assem- 
bly readily  granted  that  sum  to  the  people  of 
Windham. 

Rector  Clap  entered  upon  the  duties  of  his 
office,  with  the  zeal  and  ability  that  were  expected 
from  his  character.  His  first  business  was,  to  give 
stability  and  uniformity  to  Collegiate  government, 
by  drawing  up,  at  the  request  of  the  Trustees,  a 
body  of  academic  laws.  These  were  compiled, 
partly  from  the  ancient  laws  and  statutes  of  the 
College,  partly  from  important  customs  that  had 
obtained,  partly  from  the  laws  of  Harvard  College, 
and  partly  from  the  statutes  of  the  University  of 
Oxford.     Some  few  new  laws  were  added. 

This  body  of  laws,  after  minute  examination  by 
the  individual  members,  was  adopted  by  the  Board 
of  Trustees,  in  1745,  and  subsequently  translated 
into  Latin,  and  printed,  in  1748. 

About  the  same  time,  the  Rector  collected  under 
proper  heads,  all  the  customs  of  College,  which 
had  been  established  by  practice,  and  which  form 
ed  as  large  a  volume  as  the  statutes. 


55 

By  adopting  this  wise  course,  the  Rules  of  Col- 
lege became  known,  and  the  government  was  ren- 
dered more  steady  and  uniform,  and  less  arbitrary. 

Soon  after  Rector  Clap's  induction  into  office, 
in  1742,  he  perceived  that  the  Students  were  de- 
prived of  much  of  the  benefit  and  advantage  of  the 
library,  for  want  of  a  proper  catalogue  of  the 
books.  This  defect  he  remedied,  by  correctly  ar- 
ranging and  numbering  the  books,  assigning, 
however,  in  special  honor  of  Doctor  Berkeley,  a 
separate  place  for  those  composing  his  donation. 
He  then  prepared  three  catalogues,  referring  by 
figures  to  the  place  and  number  of  each  book. 
One  catalogue  specified  the  books,  as  they  stood  in 
proper  order  on  the  shelves;  another,  in  alpha- 
betical order;  and  the  third,  designated  the  most 
valuable  books,  under  proper  heads,  according  to 
their  subject  matter. 

By  means  of  these  catalogues,  the  Students  were 
not  only  furnished  with  ready  guides  to  any  par- 
ticular books,  but  their  attention  was  also  directed 
to  the  best  authors,  on  particular  branches  of 
science.  The  publication  of  the  catalogue,  proved 
very  beneficial  to  the  Students. 

About  this  time,  the  General  Assembly  augment- 
ed their  annual  grant  to  the  College,  so  that  they 
were  enabled  to  support  three  Tutors,  one  to  each 
class,  including  the  Rector. 

This  increase  of  instructors  had  an  immediate 
influence  on  the  ju'osperity  of  the  institution,  as 
before,  one  Tutor  had  been  obliged  to  attend  to 
two  classes,  and  sometimes  more. 


56 

As  the  College  increased  in  reputation  and  im- 
portance, defects  were  discovered  in  its  laws  and 
Charter,  and  the  names  of  those  intrusted  with  its 
government  were  not  considered  as  appropriate  to 
an  institution  in  "  a  mature  and  perfect  state." 

"  The  Rector  therefore,  drew  up  a  draught  of  a 
new  Charter,  wherein  the  Trustees  were  incorpo- 
rated by  the  name  of  "  The  President  and  Fel- 
lows of  Yale  College  in  New  Haven.''"'  This  draft 
was  revised  by  the  Honorable  Thomas  Fitch.,  Esq. 
and  approved  by  the  Trustees,  and  by  them  order- 
ed to  be  presented  to  the  Honorable  the  General 
Assembly,  for  their  sanction ;  which  was  obtained 
in  May  following ;  and  is  as  follows :   viz. 

"  By  the  Governor  and  Company  of  His  Majes- 
ty''s  Colony  of  Connecticut.,  in  New  England^ 
in  America. 

"  An  Act  for  the  more  full  and  complete  Establishment  of  Yale 
College,  in  New  Haven,  and  for  enlarging  the  Powers  and 
Privileges  thereof. 

"  Whereas,  upon  the  Petition  of  several  well 
disposed  and  public  spirited  persons,  expressing 
their  desire,  that  full  liberty  and  privilege  might  be 
granted  unto  certain  Undertakers,  for  the  found- 
ing, suitably  endowing  and  ordering,  a  Collegiate 
School,  within  this  Colony,  wherein  youth  might 
be  instructed  in  the  Arts  and  Sciences;  the  Gov- 
ernor and  Company  of  the  said  Colony,  in  General 
Court  assembled  at  New  Haven,  on  the  9th  day  of 
October,  in  the  year  of  our  Lord  one  thousand 


57 

seven  hundred  and  one,  granted  unto  the  Reverend 
Messrs.  James  Noyes,  Israel  Chauney,  Thomas 
Buckingham^  Abraham  Pierson,  Samuel  Mather^ 
Samuel  Andrew^  Timothy  Woodbridge,  James 
Pierpont^  Noadiah  Russell,  and  Joseph  Webb, 
who  were  proposed  to  stand  as  Trustees,  Partners, 
or  Undertakers,  for  the  said  Society,  and  to  their 
successors,  full  liberty,  right  and  privilege,  to  erect, 
form,  direct,  order,  establish,  improve,  and  at  all 
times,  in  all  suitable  ways,  to  encourage  the  said 
School,  in  some  convenient  place  in  this  Colony ; 
and  granted  sundry  powers  and  privileges,  for  at- 
taining the  end  aforesaid. 

"  And  whereas,  the  said  Trustees,  Partners  or 
Undertakers,  in  pursuance  of  the  aforesaid  grant, 
liberty  and  licence,  founded  a  Collegiate  School  at 
New  Haven,  known  by  the  name  of  Yale  Col- 
lege; which  has  received  the  favorable  benefac- 
tions of  many  liberal  and  piously  disposed  persons, 
and  under  the  blessing  of  Almighty  God,  has  train- 
ed up  many  worthy  persons  for  the  service  of  God, 
in  the  State  as  well  as  in  the  Church. 

"  And  whereas  the  General  Court  of  this  Colony 
assembled  at  New  Haven,  the  tenth  day  of  Octo- 
ber, in  the  year  of  our  Lord  one  thousand  seven 
hundred  and  twenty  three,  did  explain  and  enlarge 
the  aforesaid  powers  and  privileges,  granted  to  the 
aforesaid  Partners,  Trustees,  or  Undertakers,  and 
their  successors,  for  the  purpose  aforesaid ;  as  by 
the  respective  acts,  reference  thereto  being  had, 
more  fully  and  at  large  may  appear. 
8 


58 

"  And  whereas,  the  Rev.  Messrs.  Thomas  Clap, 
Samuel  Whitman,  Jared  Eliot,  Ehenezer  Wil- 
liams, Jonathan  Marsh,  Samuel  Cooke,  Samuel 
Whittelsey,  Joseph  Noyes,  Anthony  Stoddard, 
Benjamin  Lord,  and  Daniel  Wadsworth,  the 
present  Trustees,  Partners  and  Undertakers  of  the 
said  School,  and  successors  of  those  before  men- 
tioned ;  have  petitioned,  That  the  said  School,  with 
all  the  rights,  powers,  privileges  and  interests 
thereof,  may  be  confirmed;  and  that  such  other 
additional  powers  and  privileges  may  be  granted, 
as  shall  be  necessary  for  the  ordering  and  manag- 
ing the  said  School,  in  the  most  advantageous  and 
beneficial  manner,  for  the  promoting  all  good  lite- 
rature, in  the  present  and  succeeding  generations. 
Therefore, 

"  The  Governor  and  Company  of  his  Majesty's 
said  English  Colony  of  Connecticut,  in  General 
Court  assembled,  this  ninth  day  of  May,  in  the 
year  of  our  Lord  one  thousand  seven  hundred  and 
forty  five,  enact,  ordain,  and  declare,  and  by  these 
presents  it  is  enacted,  ordained  and  declared  ; 

"  I.  That  the  said  Thomas  Clap,  Samuel  Whit- 
man, Jared  Eliot,  Ehenezer  Williams,  Jonathan 
Marsh,  Samuel  Cooke,  Samuel  Whittelsey,  Joseph 
Noyes,  Anthony  Stoddard,  l^enjamin  Lord,  and 
Daniel  Wadsworth,  shall  be  an  hicorporate  Soci- 
ety, or  Body  Corporate  and  Politic;  and  shall 
hereafter  be  called  and  known  by  the  name  of, 
The  President  and  Fellows  of  Yale  College  in 
New  Haven,  and  that  by  the  same  name,  they  and 


59 

their  successors  shall  and  may  have  perpetual  suc- 
cession ;  and  shall  and  may  be  persons  capable  in 
the  law,  to  plead  and  be  impleaded,  defend  and  be 
defended,  and  answer  and  be  answered  unto ;  and 
also  to  have,  take,  possess,  acquire,  purchase,  or 
otherwise  receive,  lands,  tenements,  hereditaments, 
Goods,  Chattels,  or  other  estates,  and  the  same 
lands,  tenements,  hereditaments,  goods,  chattels,  or 
other  estates,  to  grant,  demise,  lease,  use,  manage 
or  improve,  for  the  good  and  benefit  of  the  said 
College,  according  to  the  tenor  of  the  donation  and 
their  discretion. 

"  II.  That  all  gifts,  grants,  bequests  and  dona- 
tions, of  lands,  tenements,  or  hereditaments,  goods 
and  chattels,  heretofore  made  to,  or  for  the  use, 
benefit,  and  advantage  of  the  Collegiate  School 
aforesaid,  whether  the  same  be  expressed  to  be 
made  to  the  President  or  Rector,  and  to  the  rest  of 
the  incorporated  Society  of  Yale  College^  or  to  the 
Trustees  or  Undertakers  of  the  Collegiate  School 
in  New  Haven,  or  to  the  Trustees,  by  any  other 
name,  stile,  or  title  whatsoever,  whereby  it  may  be 
clearly  known  and  understood,  that  the  true  intent 
and  design  of  such  gifts,  grants,  bequests  and 
donations,  was  to  and  for  the  use,  benefit  and  ad- 
vantage of  the  Collegiate  School  aforesaid,  and  to 
be  under  the  care  and  disposal  of  the  governors 
thereof,  shall  be  confirmed,  and  the  same  hereby 
are  confirmed,  and  shall  be  and  remain  to,  and  be 
vested  in  the  President  and  Fellows  of  the  College 
aforesaid,  and  their  successors,  as  to  the  true  and 
lawful  successors  of  the  original  Grantees. 


60 

"  III.  That  the  said  President  and  Fellows,  and 
their  successors,  shall  and  may  hereafter  have  a 
common  seal,  to  serve  and  use  for  all  causes,  mat- 
ters and  affairs  of  them  and  their  successors ;  and 
the  same  seal  to  alter,  break,  and  make  new,  as 
they  shall  think  fit. 

"  IV.  That  the  said  Thomas  Clap  shall  be,  and 
he  is  hereby  established  the  present  President, 
and  the  said  Samuel  Whitman,  Jared  Eliot,  Ehen- 
ezer  Williams,  Jonathan  Marsh,  Samuel  Cooke, 
Samuel  Whittlesey,  Joseph  Noyes,  Anthony  Stod- 
dard, Benjamin  Lord,  and  Daniel  Wadsworth 
shall  be,  and  they  are  hereby  established  the  pres- 
ent Fellows  of  the  said  College ;  and  that  they 
and  their  successors  shall  continue  in  their  respect- 
ive places  during  life,  or  until  they  or  either  of 
them,  shall  resign,  or  be  removed  or  displaced,  as 
in  this  act  is  hereafter  expressed. 

"V.  That  there  shall  be  a  general  meeting  of 
the  President  and  Fellows  of  said  College,  in  the 
College  Library,  on  the  second  Wednesday  of 
September  annually,  or  at  any  other  time  and  place 
which  they  shall  see  cause  to  appoint,  to  consult, 
advise,  act  in  and  about  the  affairs  and  business  of 
the  said  College ;  and  that  on  any  special  emer- 
gency, the  President  and  two  of  the  Fellows,  or 
any  four  of  the  Fellows,  may  appoint  a  meeting  at 
the  said  College,  provided  they  give  notice  thereof 
to  the  rest,  by  letters  sent  [and  left  with  them,  or 
at  the  places  of  their  respective  abodes,  five  days 
before  such  meeting ;  and  that  the  President  and 


61 

six  Fellows,  or  in  case  of  the  death,  absence,  or 
incapacity  of  the  President,  seven  Fellows,  con- 
vened as  aforesaid,  (in  which  case  the  eldest  Fel- 
low shall  preside,)  shall  be  deemed  a  meeting  of 
the  President  and  Fellows  of  said  College,  and 
that  in  all  the  said  meetings,  the  major  vote  of  the 
members  present  shall  be  deemed  the  act  of  the 
whole  ,•  and  where  an  equivote  happens,  the  Presi- 
dent shall  have  a  casting  vote. 

"  VI.  That  the  President  and  Fellows  of  the 
said  College,  and  their  successors,  in  any  of  their 
meetings,  assembled  as  aforesaid,  shall  and  may, 
from  time  to  time,  as  occasion  shall  require,  elect 
and  appoint  a  President  or  Fellow,  in  the  room 
and  place  of  any  President  or  Fellow  who  shall 
die,  resign,  or  be  removed  from  his  office,  place  or 
trust ;  whom  the  said  Governor  and  Company 
hereby  declare,  for  any  misdemeanor,  unfaithful- 
ness, default,  or  incapacity,  shall  be  removable  by 
the  President  and  Fellows  of  the  said  College; 
six  of  them,  a  least,  concurring  in  such  act.  And 
shall  have  power  to  appoint  a  Scribe  or  Register, 
a  Treasurer,  Tutors,  Professors,  Steward,  and  all 
such  other  officers  and  servants,  usually  appointed 
in  Colleges  or  Universities,  as  they  shall  find  ne- 
cessary, and  think  fit  to  appoint;  for  the  promoting 
good  literature,  and  the  well  ordering  and  manag- 
ing the  affairs  of  said  College ;  and  them,  or  any 
of  them,  at  their  discretion,  to  remove;  and  to 
prescribe  and  administer  such  forms  of  oaths,  (not 
being  contrary  to  the  laws  of  England,  or  of  this 


62 

Colony,)  as  they  shall  think  proper,  to  be  adminis- 
tered to  all  those  officers  and  instructors  of  the 
said  College,  or  to  such,  and  so  many  of  them  as 
they  shall  think  proper,  for  the  faithful  execution 
of  their  respective  places,  offices  and  trusts. 

"  VII.  That  the  present  President  and  Fellows 
of  said  College,  and  their  successors,  and  all  such 
Tutors,  Professors,  and  other  officers,  as  shall  be 
appointed  for  the  public  instruction  and  govern- 
ment of  said  College,  before  they  undertake  the 
execution  of  their  respective  offices  and  trusts,  or 
within  three  months  after,  shall  publicly,  in  the 
College  Hall,  take  the  oaths  and  subscribe  the 
declaration  appointed  by  an  act  of  Parliament, 
made  in  the  first  year  of  King  George  the  first ; 
entitled,  A?t  Act  for  the  further  security  of  his 
Majestifs  Person  and  Government^  and  the  suc- 
cession of  the  Crown  in  the  Heirs  of  the  late 
Princess  Sophia,  being  Protestants  ;  and  for  ex- 
tinguishing the  hopes  of  the  pretended  Prince  of 
Wales,  and  his  open  and  secret  Abettors  ;  that  is 
to  say,  the  President  before  the  governor.  Deputy 
Governor,  or  any  two  of  the  assistants  of  this 
Colony,  for  the  time  being  ;  and  the  Fellows,  Tu- 
tors, and  other  officers,  before  the  President,  for 
the  time  being ;  who  is  hereby  impowered  to  ad- 
minister the  same.  An  entry  of  all  which  shall  be 
made  in  the  records  of  said  College. 

"  VIII.  That  the  President  and  Fellows  shall 
have  the  government,  care  and  management  of  the 
said  College ;  and  all  the  matters  and  affairs  there- 


63 

unto  belonging ;  and  shall  have  power,  from  time 
to  time,  as  occasion  shall  require,  to  make,  ordain, 
and  establish,  all  such  wholesome  and  reasonable 
laws,  rules  and  ordinances,  not  repugnant  to  the 
laws  of  England,  nor  the  laws  of  this  Colony,  as 
they  shall  think  fit  and  proper,  for  the  instruction 
and  education  of  the  Students,  and  ordering,  gov- 
erning, ruling  and  managing  the  said  College,  and 
all  matters,  affairs  and  things,  thereunto  belonging, 
and  the  same  to  repeal  and  alter,  as  they  shall 
think  fit ;  which  shall  be  laid  before  this  Assembly, 
as  often  as  required,  and  may  also  be  repealed  or 
disallowed  by  this  assembly,  when  they  shall  think 
proper. 

"  IX.  That  the  President  of  said  College  with 
the  consent  of  the  Fellows,  shall  have  power  to 
give  and  confer,  all  such  honors,  degrees  or  licen- 
ces, as  are  usually  given  in  Colleges  or  Universi- 
ties, upon  such  as  they  shall  think  worthy  thereof. 

"  X.  That  all  the  lands  and  rateable  estate  be- 
longing to  the  said  College,  not  exceeding  the 
yearly  value  of  five  hundred  pounds  sterling,  lying 
in  this  government,  and  the  persons,  families  and 
estates  of  the  President  and  Professors,  lying  in 
and  being  in  the  town  of  New  Haven,  and  the 
persons  of  the  Tutors,  Students,  and  such  and  so 
many  of  the  servants  of  said  College,  as  give  their 
constant  attendance  on  the  business  of  it,  shall  be 
freed  and  exempted  from  all  rates,  taxes,  military 
service,  working  at  highways,  and  such  other  like 
duties  and  services. 


64 

"  XI.  And  for  the  special  encouragement  and 
support  of  said  College,  this  Assembly  do  hereby 
grant  unto  the  said  President  and  Fellows,  and 
their  successors,  for  the  use  of  the  said  College,  in 
lieu  of  all  former  grants,  one  hundred  pounds  silver 
money,  at  the  rate  of  six  shillings  and  eight  pence 
per  ounce,  to  be  paid  in  bills  of  public  credit,  or 
other  currency,  equivalent  to  the  said  hundred 
pounds,  (the  rate  ©rvalue  thereof  to  be  stated  from 
time  to  time  by  this  Assembly,)  in  two  equal  pay- 
ments, in  October  and  May  annually.  This  pay- 
ment to  continue  during  the  pleasure  of  this  As- 
sembly. 

"  In  full  Testimony  and  confirmation  of  this 
grant,  and  all  the  articles  and  matters  therein  con- 
tained, the  said  Governor  and  Company  do  hereby 
order,  that  this  act  shaH  be  signed  by  the  Governor 
and  Secretary ;  and  sealed  with  the  public  seal  of 
this  Colony :  and  t!^t  the  same,  or  a  duplicate  or 
exemplification  thereof,  shall  be  a  sufficient  warrant 
to  the  said  President  and  Fellows,  to  hold,  use  and 
exercise  all  the  powers  and  privileges  therein  men- 
tioned and  contained. 

"  JoNTH.  Law,  Governor. 

"  By  order  of  the  said  Governor  and  Company,  in  General 
Court  assembled. 

'''•George  Wyllys^  Secretary." 

This  Charter  greatly  improved  the  condition  of 
the  College,  and  several  valuable  donations  from 
individuals  and  the  General  Assembly,  enabled  the 


65 

Corporation  to  extend  and  perfect  their  system  of 
instruction.  In  the  year  1747,  the  number  of 
Students  had  increased  to  about  one  hundred  and 
twenty,  and  in  consequence  of  the  inadequate  ex- 
tent of  the  buildings,  more  than  one  half  were 
compelled  to  live  out  of  the  College.  To  correct 
that  inconvenience  the  President  projected  a 
scheme  for  raising  a  sum  of  money,  by  means  of 
a  Lottery,  for  building  a  new  College  house.  A 
grant,  for  that  purpose,  was  obtained  of  the  Gen- 
eral Assembly,  in  May,  1747,  and  by  means  of  it 
£500  sterling,  clear  of  all  charges,  was  raised. 

Having  obtained  this  accession  to  their  funds, 
the  foundation  of  the  new  College  house  was  laid, 
April  17th,  1750,  and  the  outside  was  jfinished  in 
September,  1752. 

The  building,  as  originally  constructed,  was  one 
hundred  feet  long,  forty  feet  wide,  and  three  sto- 
ries high,  with  a  cellar  under  the  whole.  It  was 
built  of  brick,  and  contained  thirty  two  chambers 
and  sixty  four  studies. 

This  is  the  only  College  edifice,  of  that  period, 
that  now  remains,  and  even  this  has  been  essen- 
tially altered  and  enlarged  by  the  addition  of  a 
fourth  story.  It  is  known,  in  the  language  of 
direction  now  used  by  the  Students,  as  the  South 
Middle  College. 

The  outside  of  the  house  having  been  finished, 
the  President  and  Fellows,  at  the  Commencement 
in  1752,  ordered  that  the  new  College  be  called 
and  named  Connecticut  Hall,  and  then  walked,  in 

9 


66 

procession  into  it,  and  the  Beadle,  by  order,  made 
the  following  declaration. 

"  Cum  c  ProvidentifE  Dimna  Favorc,  per  Col- 
onize Connecticutensis  Munificentiam  graiissim- 
am,  hoc  novum  Edfjiciutn  Academicunu  Funda- 
tum  et  Erectum  fiierit ;  in  perpetuam  tantce 
Generositatis  Memoriam^  JEdes  Ikec  nitida  et 
splendida.,  Aula  Connecticutensis  nuncupetur. 

"  In  English  thus  ;  Whereas  through  the  favor 
of  Divine  Providence,  this  new  College  house  has 
been  built,  by  the  munificence  of  the  Colony  of 
Connecticut ;  in  perpetual  commemoration  of  so 
great  generosity,  this  neat  and  decent  building 
shall  be  called  Connecticut  HalV 

The  necessity  of  erecting  the  building  was 
manifested  in  a  striking  manner,  as  upon  its  com- 
pletion it  was  found  that,  in  consequence  of  the 
growing  popularity  of  the  College,  under  the 
judicious  government  of  President  Clap,  the  num- 
ber of  Students  had  increased  to  more  than  one 
hundred  and  seventy,  and  that  both  houses  were 
insufficient  for  their  accommodation. 

The  College  being  in  this  agreeable  and  pros- 
perous state,  the  attention  of  the  Corporation  was 
directed,  with  greater  earnestness,  towards  the 
religious  instruction  of  the  pupils. 

They  had  voted,  in  the  year  174G,  "  That  they 
would  choose  a  public  Professor  of  Divinity  in  the 
College,  as  soon  as  thoy  could  procure  a  sufficient 
support."  In  the  year  1752,  the  necessity  appear- 
ing to  be  greater,  they  voted,  "  That  a  Professor  of 


67 

Divinity  in  the  College  would  be,  upon  all  accounts 
advantageous,  and  therefore  resolved^  that  they 
would  endeavor  to  get  a  support  for  such  a  Profes- 
sor, as  soon  as  may  be ;  by  all  such  ways  and 
means  as  prudence  should  direct :  and  afterwards 
ordered,  that  one  half  of  the  College  lands  in  the 
County  of  Litchfield,  should  be  leased  out  for  that 
purpose." 

In  October,  1753,  the  General  Assembly  resolv- 
ed, "  that  one  principal  end  proposed,  in  erecting 
the  College,  was  to  supply  the  Churches  in  this 
Colony,  with  a  learned,  pious  and  orthodox  min- 
istry ;  to  which  end,  it  was  requisite  that  the  Stu- 
dents of  the  College  should  have  the  best  instruc- 
tions in  Divinity,  and  the  best  patterns  of  preaching 
set  before  them.  And  that  the  settling  a  learned, 
pious,  and  orthodox  Professor  of  Divinity  in  the 
College,  would  greatly  tend  to  promote  that  good 
end  and  design.  And  therefore  recommended  a 
general  contribution  to  be  made  in  all  religious 
societies  in  the  Colony,  for  that  purpose." 

At  the  request  of  the  Corporation,  and  in  pur- 
suance of  the  advice  of  the  General  Association, 
the  President,  with  the  assistance  of  sundry  minis- 
ters, performed  the  duty  of  a  Professor  of  Divinity, 
by  preaching  to  the  Students  in  the  College  hall, 
on  the  Lord's  Day,  until  a  special  appointment 
was  made. 

To  preserve  and  secure  the  religion  of  the 
College  upon  its  original  foundation  and  Constitu- 
tion, the  following  act  was  passed. 


68 

"  At  a  meeting  of  the  President  and  Fellows  of 
Yale  College,  November  21,  1753  ;  present,  the 
Rev.  Mr.  Thomas  Clap,  President ;  the  Reverend 
Messrs.  Jared  Eliot,  Joseph  Noyes,  Anthony 
Stodfhird,  Benjamin  Lord,  William  Russet, 
Thomas  Ruggles,  Solomon  Williams,  Noah 
Hohart. 

"  Whereas  the  principal  design  of  the  pious 
Founders  of  this  College,  was  to  educate  and  train 
up  youth  for  the  ministry,  in  the  Churches  of  this 
Colony,  according  to  the  doctrine,  discipline  and 
mode  of  worship  received  and  practiced  in  them ; 
and  they  particularly  ordered,  that  the  Students 
should  be  established  in  the  principles  of  religion, 
and  grounded  in  polemical  divinity,  according  to 
the  Assembly's  Catechism,  Dr.  Ames''  Medulla, 
and  Cases  of  Conscience,  and  that  special  care 
should  be  taken,  in  the  education  of  Students,  not 
to  suffer  them  to  be  instructed  in  any  difierent 
principles  or  doctrines;  and  that  all  proper  meas- 
ures should  be  taken,  to  promote  the  powder  and 
purity  of  rehgion,  and  the  best  edification  and 
peace  of  these  Churches. 

''  We,  the  successors  of  the  said  founders,  being 
in  our  own  judgments,  of  the  same  principles  in 
religion  with  our  predecessors,  and  esteeming  our- 
selves bound  in  fidelity  to  the  trust  committed  to 
us,  to  carry  on  the  same  design,  and  improve  all 
the  College  estate  descended  to  us,  for  the  purposes 
for  which  it  was  given,  do  explicitly  and  fully  re- 
solve, as  follows,  viz. 


69 

"  1.  That  the  Scriptures  of  the  Old  and  New 
Testaments  are  the  only  rule  of  faith  and  practice 
in  all  matters  of  religion,  and  the  standard  by 
which  all  doctrines,  principles  and  practices  in 
religion  are  to  be  tried  and  judged. 

"  2.  That  the  Assembly's  Catechism,  and  the 
Confession  of  Faith,  received  and  established  in 
the  Churches  of  this  Colony,  (which  is  an  abridge- 
ment of  the  Westminister  Confession,)  contain  a 
true  and  just  summary  of  the  most  important  doc- 
trines of  the  Christian  religion ;  and  that  the  true 
sense  of  the  sacred  Scriptures  is  justly  collected 
and  summed  up  in  these  compositions ;  and  all  ex- 
positions of  Scripture,  pretending  to  deduce  any 
doctrines  or  positions,  contrary  to  the  doctrines  laid 
down  in  these  composures,  we  are  of  opinion  are 
wrong  and  erroneous. 

"  3.  If  any  doubt  or  dispute  should  happen  to 
arise  about  the  true  meaning  and  sense  of  any  par- 
ticular terms  or  phrases  in  the  said  composures, 
they  shall  be  understood  and  taken  in  the  same 
sense  in  which  such  terms  and  phrases  have  been 
generally  used  in  the  writings  of  Protestant  divines, 
and  especially  in  their  public  Confessions  of  Faith. 

"  4.  That  we  will  always  take  ail  proper  and 
reasonable  measures,  such  as  Christian  prudence 
shall  direct,  to  continue  and  propagate  the  doc- 
trines contained  in  these  summaries  of  religion,  in 
this  College,  and  transmit  them  to  all  fiiture  suc- 
cessions and  generations ;  and  to  use  the  like 
measures  to  prevent  the  contrary  doctrines  from 
prevailing  in  this  Society. 


70 

''5.  That  every  person  who  shall  hereafter  be 
chosen  a  President,  Fellow,  Professor  of  Divinity, 
or  Tutor,  in  this  College,  shall,  before  he  enters 
upon  the  execution  of  his  office,  publicly  give  his 
consent  to  the  said  Catechism  and  Confession,  of 
Faith^  as  containing  a  just  summary  of  Christian 
religion,  as  before  expressed ;  and  renounce  all 
doctrines  or  principlos  contrary  thereunto  ;  and 
shall  pass  through  such  an  examination  as  the  Cor- 
poration shall  think  proper,  in  order  to  their  being 
fully  satisfied  that  he  shall  do  it  truly,  without  any 
evasion  or  equivocation. 

"  6.  That  since  every  such  officer  is  admitted 
into  his  post  upon  the  condition  aforesaid,  if  he 
shall  afterwards  change  his  sentiments,  entertain 
any  contrary  set  of  principles  or  scheme  of  religion, 
and  disbelieve  the  doctrines  contained  in  the  said 
Catechism  or  Confession  of  Faith,  he  cannot,  con- 
sistent with  common  honesty  and  fidelity,  continue 
in  his  post,  but  is  bound  to  resign  it. 

'"''  7.  That  when  it  is  suspected,  by  any  of  the 
Corporation,  that  any  such  officer  has  fallen  from 
the  profession  of  his  faith,  as  before  mentioned,  and 
is  gone  into  any  contrary  scheme  of  principles,  he 
shall  be  examined  by  the  Corporation. 

"  8.  That  inasmuch  as  it  is  especially  necessary, 
that  a  Professor  of  Divinity  should  be  sound  in  the 
faith  ;  besides  the  common  tests,  before  mentioned, 
he  shall  publicly  exhibit  a  full  confession  of  his 
faith,  drawn  up  by  him  in  his  own  words  and  phrases, 
and  shall,  in  full  and  express  terms,  renounce  all 


71 

such  errors  as  shall,  in  any  considerable  measure, 
prevail  at  the  time  of  his  introduction.  And  if  any 
doubt  or  question  should  arise,  about  any  doctrine 
or  position,  whether  it  be  truth  or  error,  it  shall  be 
judged  by  the  word  of  God,  taken  in  that  sense  of 
it  which  is  contained  and  declared  in  the  said  Cate- 
chism and  Confession  of  Faith ;  as  being  a  just  ex- 
position of  the  Word  of  God,  in  those  doctrines  or 
articles  which  are  contained  in  them. 

"  9.  That  every  person  who  shall  be  chosen  Pres- 
ident, Fellow,  Professor  of  Divinity,  or  Tutor,  in 
this  College,  shall  give  his  consent  to  the  rules  of 
Church  Discipline,  established  in  the  Ecclesiastical 
Constitution  of  the  Churches  of  this  Colony  :  it 
being  understood  that  our  Ecclesiastical  Constitu- 
tion may  admit  of  additions  or  alterations,  in  such 
circumstances,  as  according  to  our  Confession  of 
Faith,  are  to  be  regulated  by  the  light  of  nature, 
and  the  rules  of  Christian  prudence.  And  it  is 
especially  declared,  that  if  any  person  shall  deny 
the  validity  of  the  ordination  of  the  ministers  of 
this  Colony,  commonly  called  Presbyterian,  or 
Congregational,  or  shall  hold,  that  it  is  necessary 
or  convenient  that  such  ministers  should  be  reor- 
dained,  in  order  to  render  their  administration  valid, 
it  shall  be  deemed  an  essential  departure  from  our 
Ecclesiastical  Constitution ;  and  inconsistent  with 
the  intentions  of  the  founders  of  this  College,  that 
such  a  person  should  be  chosen  an  officer  in  it. 

"  10.  Yet,  we  would  suppose,  that  it  is  not  incon- 
sistent with  the  general  design  of  the  Founders, 


72 

and  is  agreeable  to  our  own  inclinations,  to  admit 
Protestants  of  all  denominations  to  send  their  chil- 
dren to  receive  the  advantages  of  an  education  in 
this  College :  provided  that  while  they  are  here, 
they  conform  to  all  the  laws  and  orders  of  it." 

In  conformity  to  the  preceding  act,  the  Fellows 
were  required  publicly  to  give  their  consent  to  the 
Catechism  and  Confession  of  Faith,  in  this 
formula. 

"  I,  A.  B.  being  chosen  a  Felloic  of  Yale  Col- 
lege, do  hereby  declare,  that  I  believe  that  the 
AssemMy''s  Catechism,  and  the  Confession  of 
Faith,  received  and  established  in  the  Churches  of 
this  Colony,  and  in  this  College,  contain  a  true  and 
just  summary  of  the  most  important  doctrines  of 
the  Christian  religion ;  and  that  the  true  sense  of 
the  sacred  Scriptures  is  justly  collected  and  sum- 
med up  in  those  compositions.  And  all  expositions 
of  Scripture,  pretending  to  deduce  any  doctrine  or 
position,  contrary  to  the  said  doctrines  laid  down 
in  those  composures,  I  believe  are  wrong  and  errone- 
ous. And  I  will  always  take  all  reasonable  meas- 
ures, and  such  as  Christian  prudence  may  direct,  in 
my  place  and  station,  to  continue  and  propagate  the 
doctrines  contained  in  these  summaries  of  religion, 
in  this  College,  and  transmit  them  to  all  future 
successions  and  generations :  and  use  the  like  meas- 
ures to  prevent  the  contrary  doctrines  from  prevail- 
ing in  this  Society. 

"  I  do  also  consent  to  the  rules  of  Church  disci- 
pline, established  in  the  Ecclesiastical  Constitution 
of  the  Churches  of  this  Colony.  A.  B.'" 


73 

In  September  1755,  the  Corporation  nominated 
the  Rev.  Naptiiali  Daggett,  Pastor  of  a  Church 
on  Long  Island,  to  be  Professor  of  Divinity.  On 
application  to  the  Presbytery  he  was  dismissed 
from  his  charge,  and  in  November  following,  came 
and  preached  in  the  College  hall,  to  good  satisfac- 
tion. 

After  a  rigid  examination  by  the  President  and 
Fellows,  as  to  his  qualifications,  and  a  full  compli- 
ance, on  his  part,  with  the  statutes  of  the  College, 
as  to  the  Confession  of  Faith,  &.c.  Mr.  Daggett 
was,  on  the  4th  day  of  March,  1756,  duly  installed 
and  inaugurated  Professor  of  Divinity,  with  near- 
ly the  same  solemnities  and  formalities,  as  are 
usual  at  the  installment  of  other  ministers,  who 
have  been  before  ordained. 

At  this  period.  President  Clap  states,  that  the 
interest  of  a  donation  of  £28  10^.  made  in  1746,  by 
the  Hon.  Philip  Livingston,  of  New  York,  and  of 
a  donation  of  £33  10^.  subsequently  made  by  Mr. 
Gershom  Clark,  of  Lebanon,  together  with  the  rents 
of  the  College  lands,  agreed  to  be  leased,  were 
sufficient  for  the  annual  support  of  the  Professor. 

The  President  had,  on  the  10th  September,  1756, 
given  a  lot  of  land  for  the  use  of  a  Professor  of 
Divinity,  for  the  time  being,  who  should  be  settled 
and  continued,  according  to  the  act  of  the  Corpo- 
ration of  November  21, 1753,  and  constantly  preach 
in  the  College  hall  or  Chapel,  except  in  vacations ; 
several  principal  gentlemen,  by  subscription,  con- 

10 


74 

tributed  for  building   a  house   for   the    Professor 
under  the  Hke  Hmitations. 

Tlie  house  Avas  raised  in  June  1757,  completely 
finished  the  next  summer,  and  cost  £287  sterling. 

'•  The  President,  in  the  presence  of  a  considera- 
ble number  of  gentlemen,  with  all  proper  formali- 
ties, put  the  Professor  into  the  possession  of  the 
house ;  declaring  tliat  it  was  built,  for  the  use  of  a 
Professor  of  Divinity,  in  the  College,  who  should 
hold  and  preach  all  the  doctrines  contained  in  our 
Catechism  and  Confession  of  Faith  ;  and  in  case 
he,  or  his  successors,  should  hold,  teach  or  maintain 
any  contrary  doctrine,  he  or  they  would  have  no 
right  to  any  use  or  improvement  of  it,  &.c. ;  and 
the  solemnity  was  concluded  with  prayer,  and  sing- 
ing a  psalm." 

At  a  meeting  of  the  President  and  Fellows,  June 
29,  1757,  the  Tutors,  and  a  number  of  the  Students, 
made  application  as  follows,  viz. 

"  Whereas,  this  Reverend  Corporation,  of  their 
paternal  care  and  goodness,  have  settled  a  Profes- 
sor of  Divinity  in  this  Ecclesiastical  Society,  whom 
we  receive  as  an  able  minister  of  the  New  Testa- 
ment, We,  the  subscribers,  members  of  this  Soci- 
ety, having  been  admitted  members  in  full  com- 
munion, in  sundry  churches,  and  consenting  to  the 
Ecclesiastical  Constitution  of  the  Churches  of  this 
Colony,  as  agreeable  to  the  word  of  God,  in  doc- 
trine and  disci})line,  are  desirous  to  attend  upon 
the  ordinance  of  the  Lord's  Supper,  under  the 
administration  of  the  Reverend  Professor ;  and  to 


75 

walk  together  in  stated  Christian  communion  and 
holy  subjection  to  all  the  ordinances  of  Christ,  and 
desire  the  approbation  and  sanction  of  this  Rever- 
end body." 

"  This  was  approved  of  by  the  Corporation  ;  and 
a  sermon  was  preached  in  the  hall  by  the  Profes- 
sor ;  and  all  proper  solemnities  attended  upon  this 
occasion.  And  the  sacrament  of  the  Lord's  Sup- 
per is  accordingly  administered  in  the  College  hall, 
or  Chapel,  on  the  first  Lord's  day  in  each  month ; 
agreeable  to  the  practice  of  the  Colleges  in  Eng- 
land." 

In  the  year  1763,  owing  to  some  dissatisfaction 
that  had  arisen,  with  regard  to  the  government  and 
regulations  of  the  College,  an  attempt  was  made 
by  some  gentlemen,  to  subject  the  institution  to  the 
visUorial  power  of  Commissioners,  to  be  appointed 
by  the  General  Assembly.  As  this  attempt  was 
considered  as  a  dangerous  attack  on  the  future 
prosperity  of  the  College,  and  as  unauthorized  by 
law,  the  President  zealously  exerted  his  great 
talents  in  defeating  its  success. 

The  history  of  the  transaction  displays  his  ver- 
satile powers  and  strength,  as  a  reasoner,  in  so 
forcible  a  manner,  that  it  is  believed  a  transcript 
will  not  be  uninteresting. 

The  following  condensed  account  is  extracted 
from  the  appendix  to  Farrar's  Report  of  the  cele- 
brated case  of  "  The  Trustees  of  Dartmouth  Col- 
lege against  Wm.  H.  Woodward,"  page  40L 


76 

*'  In  the  year  1763,  an  attempt  was  made,  by  a 
number  of  gentlemen,  to  procure  the  legislature  of 
Connecticut  to  interfere  with  the  government  of 
Yale  College^  against  the  consent  of  the  Corpora- 
tion. In  their  memorial  they  represented,  that  the 
General  Assembly  were  the  founders  of  the  Col- 
lege, and  had  a  right  to  appoint  visitors^  and  re- 
form abuses.  This  right,  they  suggested,  ought  to 
be  seasonably  and  most  explicitly  asserted  and  vin- 
dicated, otherwise  the  College  might  become  too 
independent.  They  therefore  prayed  that  the  said 
assembly  would  pass  an  act,  to  authorize  an  appeal 
from  any  and  every  sentence  given  by  the  author- 
ity of  the  College,  to  the  Governor  and  council  of 
the  colony ;  and  issue  forth  a  commission  of  visita- 
tion, enabling  some  suitable  persons  to  inquire  into 
all  the  affairs  of  said  College,  and  either  of  them- 
selves rectify  abuses,  or  make  report  of  what  they 
should  find,  with  their  opinions  thereon,  to  the  said 
Assembly,  at  their  next  session. 

The  counsel  for  the  memorialists  were  Jared  In- 
gersoll  and  Samuel  W.  Johnson,  Esquires,  the  two 
most  learned  and  famous  attornies  of  that  day,  in 
the  colony.  Great  expectations  were  formed,  by 
the  enemies  of  the  College,  from  this  measure,  and 
the  great  ability  of  tlieir  counsel ;  and  its  friends 
were  not  without  fears  and  anxieties.  That  class 
of  people,  who  had  been  so  long  and  so  strongly 
opposed  to  the  College,  flattered  themselves  with 
the  pleasing  prospect  of  bringing  it  to  their  feet, 
and  of  amply  reaping  the  fruit  of  their  past  labors. 


77 

The  Rev.  Thomas  Clap,  the  learned  President 
of  the  College,  viewed  the  cause  of  too  great  con- 
sequence to  be  trusted  in  any  hands  but  his  own : 
and  judged  it  his  duty  to  the  founders  of  the  Col- 
lege, to  employ  his  talents  for  its  defence,  and  to 
plead  the  cause  himself,  in  the  face  of  all  opposi- 
tion. This  task  he  executed  with  uncommon  abil- 
ity and  success. 

"  The  counsel  for  the  memorialists  alleged  that 
the  General  Assembly  founded  the  College,  by 
giving  a  charter,  in  the  year  1701,  which  contain- 
ed a  donation  of  about  £60,  sterling,  to  be  annually 
paid  out  of  the  public  treasury,  and  by  sundry  sub- 
sequent donations,  especially  five  tracts  of  land  in 
the  year  1732;  and  that  the  present  Assembly,  as 
successors  to  the  founders,  had  a  right  of  visitation 
by  the  common  law. 

"  To  which  the  President  replied : — '  That  the 
General  Assembly,  in  their  legislative  capacity, 
have  the  same  authority  over  the  College,  and  all 
the  persons  and  estates  belonging  to  it,  as  they 
have  over  all  other  persons  and  estates  in  the 
colony ;  and  all  that  power,  which  is  necessary  for 
the  good  of  the  College,  or  the  general  good  of  the 
community.  And  that  an  especial  respect  and  grati- 
tude is  due  to  them  as  its  greatest  benefactors ;  yet 
they  are  not  to  be  considered  as  founders  or  visit- 
ors in  the  sense  of  the  common  law.  That  the 
first  Trustees,  Undertakers,  and  Inspectors,  who 
were  nominated  by  the  ministers,  with  the  general 
consent  of  the  people,  and  by  compact  became  a 


78 

society  or  quasi  corporation,  (as  my  lord  Coke 
says,)  near  two  years  before  they  had  a  charter, 
were  the  founders  of  the  College  ;  and  that  they 
formed  it  by  making  a  large  and  formal  donation 
of  books,  above  a  year  before  they  had  a  charter 
from  the  government.  The  College  had  a  being, 
not  only  in  fieri,  in  the  purpose  and  intention  of 
the  Undertakers,  (as  lord  Coke  says,)*  but  in  esse, 
by  the  donation  of  books,  money  and  land,  actually 
made  to  it  before  it  had  a  charter.  That  major 
Fitch  of  Norwich,  made  a  donation  in  writing,  to 
the  Undertakers,  of  six  hundred  acres  of  land,  and 
some  materials  to  build  a  College  house,  in  the 
time  of  the  sitting  of  the  Assembly,  some  days 
before  the  charter  was  given.  And  this  donation 
he  made  to  the  collegiate  school,  as  ''already  set 
up  by  the  great  pains  and  charges  of  the  minis- 
ters.''— That  the  king,  by  giving  a  licence  to  found  a 
College,  does  not  thereby  in  law  become  the  found- 
er in  sensu  dotationis ;  and  that  he  is  the  founder 
only  of  those  colleges  or  hospitals,  to  which  he 
makes  the  first  donation  for  founding.  My  lord 
Coke  distinguishes  between  Fiindator  Incipiens 
and  Fundator  Perficiens  ;  and  says,  that  he  is  the 
founder  quoad  dotationem,  (to  whose  heirs  or  suc- 
cessors the  law  gives  the  right  of  visitation,)  who 
makes  the^r*^  donation:\  And  the  right  of  visit- 
ation arises  in  law,  from  the  interest  which  the 
founder  has  in  the  college  or  hosj)ital  by  his  dona- 

*  Coke  10  Rep.  t  Coke  10  Rep. 


79 

tion.  For  if  it  be  essentially  perverted  from  the 
design,  for  which  it  was  given,  the  donation  he- 
comes  void,  and  reverts  to  tlie  donor  or  liis  heirs. 
That  the  first  donation  only  creates  the  founder, 
and  all  subsequent  donations  are  presumed  in  law, 
to  be  given  for  the  same  end  and  design  with  the 
first,  unless  some  particular  limitation  be  expressly 
made. 

"  '  That  if  a  common  person  makes  a  donation 
to  found  a  college  or  hospital,  though  ever  so  small, 
and  the  king  afterwards  endows  it  with  large  pos- 
sessions, yet  the  common  person  is  the  founder,  and 
not  the  king.* 

"  '  That  a  license  to  found,  and  a  charter  of  in- 
corporation, are  in  their  own  nature  distinct.  Ei- 
ther may  be  first  in  law,  (yet  they  are  oftentimes 
both  contained  in  the  same  instrument,)  and  may 
precede  or  succeed  the  first  fundamental  donation. 

"  '  When  the  fundamental  donation  is  made  be- 
fore the  license  to  found,  there  the  license  is  only  a 
formal  and  explicit  confirmation  from  the  crown, 
of  what  was  before  done  by  the  general  license 
given  by  the  common  and  statute  law^,  whereby 
every  man  may  give  his  estate  for  public,  pious, 
and  charitable  uses,  upon  such  conditions  and  reg- 
ulations as  he  shall  see  cause.t  And  the  feoffees 
in  trust  are  the  legal  proprietors  of  such  donations, 
according  to  the  conditions  and  limitations  with 
which  they  are  made ;  and  have  a  legal  right  to 

*  Wood's  Institutes.  t  See  39  Eliz.  c.  5.  and  Connecticut  Laws. 


80 

hold  and  lease,  and  to  dispose  of  the  profits  quasi 
corporation^  for  those  particular  purposes ;  and 
may,  by  a  long  course  of  stated  and  regular  con- 
duct, become  a  complete  legal  corporation  by  pre- 
scription. And  the  king's  charter  or  license  only 
makes  or  declares  that  to  be  a  legal  corporation, 
ai  the  firsts  which  may  become  such  by  immemo- 
rial usage  and  custom. 

"  '  In  a  license  to  found,  the  words  founds  erect., 
or  any  other  words  of  the  like  import,  are  indiffer- 
ent in  law,  and  sufficient  to  make  a  foundation; 
and  in  the  first  charter  or  grant  to  the  College, 
these  words  are  promiscuously  used,  and  applied 
to  the  first  Trustees  only.  The  first  charter 
plainly  supposes  ten  Trustees,  Partners,  or  Under- 
takers, antecedently  existing;  and  a  school  already 
founded  in  fact.,  (though  not  fully  and  completely 
so  in  laiv.)  by  donations  of  lands,  goods  and  monies, 
before  given ;  and  therefore  gives  them  a  full  legal 
right,  liberty  and  privilege,  to  proceed  in  erecting, 
endowing,  and  governing  the  school,  which  they  had 
a  general  and  imperfect  right  to  do  by  the  common 
law.  And  the  charter  declares  them  to  be  in  a 
legal  capacity  to  'demand,  have,  hold,  and  possess 
all  such  lands,  goods  and  monies,  as  have  hereto- 
fore been  given,  (as  well  as  those  which  might 
hereafter  be  given,  for  the  founding,  erecting,  and 
endowing  the  said  school.') 

"  '  And  there  is  no  intimation,  that  their  giving 
to  the  first  Trustees,  a  right  to  receive  sixty  pounds 
out  of  the  public  treasury,  a  year  after,  and  annu- 


81 

ally,  and  to  improve  it,  at  their  discretion,  for  the 
good  of  the  school,  should  be  deemed  the  founding 
of  it;  to  be  sure  not  in  such  a  sense  as  to  annul 
the  former  foundation;  much  less  could  any  en- 
dowments, made  thirty  years  after,  make  them  the 
founders  in  the  sense  of  the  common  law.  Besides, 
the  preamble  to  the  charter  of  1745,  expressly  says 
that  the  first  Trustees  founded  the  College. 

" '  The  power  of  visitation  is,  by  the  common 
law,  expressly  limited  to  the  statutes  of  the  found- 
er,* which  are  the  conditions  or  limitations  of  the 
use  of  the  founder's  donation ;  and  the  visitor  can 
do  nothing  but  rectify  those  things,  which  are 
plainly  repugnant  to  those  limitations,  or  claim  a 
forfeiture.  But  as  no  such  statutes  made  by  the 
General  Assembly  can  be  found,  such  visitors 
would  have  no  power  at  all,  or  be  altogether  arbi- 
trary, like  the  visitors  sent  to  JUagdalen  College, 
by  king  James  II. 

" '  If  it  should  be  supposed,  that  there  is  any 
need  of  overseers,  under  the  name  and  title  of 
visitors,  the  first  Trustees  and  their  successors  may 
properly  be  denominated  such;  and  in  the  first 
plan  of  the  College,  they  are  expressly  called  in- 
spectors. That  to  have  visitors  over  visitors  or 
inspectors,  would  make  endless  trouble  and  confu- 
sion. That  matters  of  property  must  be  determin- 
ed by  the  stated  executive  courts,  according  to  the 
course  of  the  common  law ;  but  to  erect  any  new 


Lord  Raymond's  Reports,  vol.  I.  p.  7. 
11 


82 

kind  of  court  over  the  aliairs  of  the  College,  which 
are  committed  to  the  President  and  Fellows,  would 
be  an  infringement  of  their  charter.' 

"  When  the  arguments  had  been  fully  heard  and 
considered,  there  were  but  a  very  small  number  of 
the  General  Assembly,  who  were  of  the  opinion 
that  they  were  the  founders  of  the  College ;  and 
so  they  acted  nothing  upon  the  memorial. 

"The  historian  adds,  'The  memorialists,  and 
their  whole  party,  were  greatly  disappointed  and 
chagrined,  and  the  President  got  nmch  honor  by 
the  defence,  which  he  made  of  the  College.  He 
appeared  to  be  a  man  of  extensive  knowledge  and 
real  greatness.  In  points  of  law,  especially  as 
they  respected  Colleges,  he  appeared  to  be  supe- 
rior to  all  the  lawyers,  so  that  his  antagonists 
acknowledged  that  he  knew  more,  and  was  wiser 
than  all  of  them.  •The  question  relative  to  the 
Assembly's  being  the  founders  of  the  College,  and 
having  a  right  of  visitation,  has  never  been  pub- 
licly disputed  since,  and  it  is  believed  that  it  never 
will  be  again.'  "* 

But  notwithstanding  the  ability  displayed  by  the 
President,  in  vindicating  what  he  considered  as  the 
essential  rights  of  the  College,  and  the  temporary 
triumph  that  attended  his  efforts,  the  policy  of  the 
opposition  to  the  power  of  visitation  may  well  be 
questioned.     It  created  unfriendly  feelings  towards 


"Trumbull  lllst.  Coiin.  Vol.  II.  p.   327  to  333.— Clap's  Annals  of  Yale 
College,  p.  69  to  77. 


83 

the  institution,  on  the  part  of  those  whose  religious 
creeds  differed  from  that  professed  in  the  College, 
and  the  Trustees  of  an  establishment  which  had 
been  fostered  by  the  government,  for  the  purposes 
of  general  education,  were  "charged  with  illiber- 
ality  towards  all  denominations  of  Christians  but 
their  own."* 

Prior  to  this  period,  the  number  of  Students  had 
increased  so  much,  that  it  became  inconvenient  to 
use  the  College  hall  for  the  various  purposes  of  a 
dining  room  and  place  for  religious  and  scholastic 
exercises.  The  President,  therefore,  proposed  a 
scheme  to  build  a  chapel,  with  a  library  room  over 
it.  A  subscription  for  this  purpose  was  opened ; 
and  the  foundation  was  laid  in  April,  1761,  and  the 
outside  nearly  completed  that  summer.  It  was 
built  of  brick,  fifty  feet  long,  and  forty  feet  wide, 
with  galleries,  in  which  were  three  rostra  for  ora- 
tions, disputations,  Slc.  and  a  library  over  the 
whole. 

In  June,  1763,  it  was  opened  with  a  sermon 
preached  by  the  Professor  of  Divinity,  in  presence 
of  the  President  and  Fellows,  and  a  large  number 
of  gentlemen.  The  President  and  Fellows  voted, 
"  that  the  chapel  should  hereafter  be  used  for  the 
religious  and  scholastic  meetings  and  exercises,  for 
which  the  old  College  hall  has  been  used  hereto- 
fore." 

The  liberality  of  the  citizens  of  New  Haven, 
subsequently  enabled  the   corporation  to  erect   a 

*  J.TiumbuirsWorks,  p.  12. 


84 

steeple  on  the  chapel,  and  donations  from  various 
quarters,  to  complete  the  interior  of  the  building. 

This  chapel  in  modern  times,  has  undergone 
many  alterations,  and  is  at  this  time  devoted  solely 
to  academic  purposes,  under  the  name  of  the 
AthentEum. 

The  exertions  made  for  its  erection,  appear  to 
have  closed  the  important  acts  of  President  Clap's 
administration. 

Causes  to  which  allusion  has  been  already  made 
had  rendered  Yale  College  "  unpopular  among  a 
large  proportion  of  the  inhabitants  of  the  Colony. 
The  Trustees,  relying  on  their  charter,  claimed  to 
be  completely  independent  of  the  government; 
and  denied  its  right  of  visitation,  or  of  any  inter- 
ference with  the  management  of  the  institution. 
Many  civilians  encouraged  the  Students  in  oppo- 
sition to  their  authority.  A  petition  was  drawn 
and  signed  by  almost  every  member  of  the  higher 
classes,  addressed  to  the  Trustees,  containing  a 
variety  of  charges  against  their  instructors,  and 
praying  for  their  dismissal  from  office.  All  author- 
ity and  subordination  were  now  at  an  end ;  the 
Tutors  abdicated,  and  the  Scholars  were  dispersed 
during  the  summer  of  the  year  1766,  After  hold- 
ing the  Commencement  in  September,  the  Presi- 
dent resigned  his  office,  and  the  Professor  of  The- 
ology was  appointed  President  pro  tempore.'^''* 

Thus  ended  the  academic  services  of  a  Presi- 
dent, (after  the  hibors  of  twenty-seven  years,)  who 

"  Trumbull. 


85 

was  an  ornament  to  tlie  science  of  the  age  in  which 
he  Hved,  whose  efforts  for  the  substantial  interests 
and  prosperity  of  the  College  were  unremitted, 
and  whose  only  unpopular  traits  appear  to  have 
been  a  conscientious  religious  zeal,  and  scholastic 
independence,  that  could  not  yield  to  spirit  of  an 
altered  age. 

This  eminent  man  died,  (a  few  months  after  his 
resignation,)  on  the  7th  January,  1767,  aged  sixty- 
four  years.  He  was  born  at  Scituate,  in  Massa- 
chusetts, on  the  26th  June,  1703,  was  graduated  at 
Harvard  College  in  July  1722,  settled  in  the  min- 
istry, at  Windham,  in  August,  1726,  from  whence 
he  was  removed,  fourteen  years  after,  to  the  Rec- 
torate  of  the  College. 

A  valued  friend,  who  is  a  lineal  descendent  of 
President  Clap,  has  shown  to  the  writer  an  inter- 
esting manuscript  of  her  illustrious  ancestor.  It 
is  entitled  by  him  "  Memoirs  of  some  remarkable 
occurrences  of  Divine  Providence,  towards  me,  in 
the  course  of  my  life,  together  with  some  reflec- 
tions and  observations  made  upon  them."  It  af- 
fords affecting  evidence  of  the  fervent  piety  and 
constant  religious  discipline,  by  which  he  regulated 
his  conduct,  but  as  it  principally  relates  to  occur- 
rences of  a  private  and  domestic  character,  cannot 
be  extensively  used  for  the  purposes  of  this  sketch, 
otherwise  than  as  a  guide  to  dates. 

Only  one  extract  will  be  given,  as  furnishing  a 
beautiful  and  energetic  example  of  pastoral  zeal 
Rnd  fidelity,  during  his  ministration  at  Windham. 


86 

'^Jan.  1st,  1737.  I  liavc  this  last  week  finished  my 
pastoral  visitation  of  every  family  in  my  parish, 
and  catechising  the  several  children  in  them.  And 
I  have  also  taken  down  the  names  and  ages  of 
every  one;  so  that  I  might  have  a  more  full  knowl- 
edge and  clear  remembrance  of  every  soul  com- 
mitted to  my  care  and  charge,  and  the  circumstan- 
ces and  condition  of  each  particular  person.  I 
find  the  number  of  them  to  be  seven  hundred  and 
twenty-two.  A  great  number  of  souls  to  depend 
upon  the  care  of  one  weak  and  sinful  creature ! 
May  God  direct  and  enable  me  rightly  to  perform 
and  go  through  this  great  work  and  charge.  That 
I  may  bear  the  names  and  circumstances  of  every 
one  upon  my  heart  at  all  times,  and  especially 
when  I  approach  unto  the  throne  of  God;  as 
Aaron  bore  the  names  of  the  children  of  Israel  on 
the  breast  plate  upon  his  heart,  when  he  entered 
into  the  holy  place." 

The  zeal  of  President  Clap,  for  the  advancement 
of  the  College,  is  sufficiently  evinced  by  the  facts 
stated  in  the  preceding  narrative.  He  contributed 
not  only  time  but  money  to  that  object,  and  man- 
aged the  expenditure  of  all  pecuniary  benefactions, 
with  judgment  and  economy. 

After  the  building  of  Connecticut  Hall  was  com- 
pleted, the  Corporation,  on  the  29th  June,  1757, 
passed  the  following  complimentary  vote. 

"  Whereas,  the  Reverend  President  Clap  hath 
had  the  care  and  oversight  of  building  the  new 
College,  called  Connecticut  Hall ;   and  laying  out 


87 

the  sum  of  one  thousand  six  hundred  and  sixty 
pounds  sterhng,  which  appears  to  have  been  done 
with  great  prudence  and  frugahty;  and  the  College 
built  in  a  very  eleff^fit  and  handsome  manner  ;  by 
means  of  his  extraordinary  care,  diligence  and 
labor,  through  a  course  of  several  years  ;  all  which 
the  said  President  has  generously  given  for  the 
service  of  said  College.  And  the  said  President 
having  also,  of  his  own  proper  estate  purchased  a 
lot  of  land  for  the  Professor  of  Divinity,  which  has 
cost  fifty-two  pounds,  lawful  money,  and  given  it 
to  the  College  for  the  said  use  forever.  This  Cor- 
poration think  themselves  bound,  and  do  accord- 
ingly render  their  hearty  and  sincerest  thanks  to  the 
Reverend  President  Clap,  for  these  extraordinary 
instances  of  his  generosity ;  and  as  a  standing  tes- 
timony thereof,  voted,  that  this  be  entered  on  their 
records." 

Bishop  Berkeley  was  informed,  from  time  to  time, 
of  the  situation  of  the  College,  and  the  manage- 
ment of  his  generous  donations.  In  a  letter  to 
President  Clap,  dated  July  25,  1751,  he  thus  ex- 
presses his  gratification. 

"  The  daily  increase  of  religion  and  learning,  in 
the  seminary  under  your  auspicious  care  and  gov- 
ernment, gives  me  a  very  sensible  pleasure,  and  an 
ample  recompense  for  all  my  donations." 

Doctor  Douglas,  in  his  "  Historical  and  Politi- 
cal Summary  of  New  England,"  says,  "  A  very 
considerable  produce,  in  the  Colony  of  Connecti- 
cut, is  a  seminary  of  learning,  or  Sckoh  lllusiris^ 


88 

called  a  collegiate  College ;  and  when  Professors, 
in  several  sciences  are  endowed,  it  will  be  called 
an  University.  This  plant  is  vigorous  and  thriving 
under  the  cultivation  of  the  present  President,  the 
worthy  Reverend  Mr.  Clap."  In  a  subsequent 
part  of  his  book,  Doctor  Douglas  says  of  President 
Clap,  ''This  is  an  ingenious  gentleman,  mathemat- 
ically learned ;  at  this  time,  1750,  contriving  some 
compendiums,  and  other  improvements  in  astro- 
nomical calculations.  Many  of  the  Students, 
(Students  in  the  College  about  eighty,)  are  expert 
in  astronomical  calculations,  from  the  solid  good 
tuition  and  instruction  of  the  worthy  Mr.  Clap,  a 
credit  to  the  Colony." 

Doctor  Holmes,  in  his  "  American  Annals,"  vol. 
ii.  p.  281,  says  of  President  Clap,  "  He  was  a  man 
of  extensive  and  profound  learning.  In  Mathemat- 
ics and  Natural  Philosophy  he  was  surpassed  by 
few,  if  any,  of  his  contemporaries  in  this  country. 
He  constructed  the  first  orrery,  or  planetarium, 
made  in  America.  His  labors  and  services  in  the 
Presidency  were  very  extensive  and  important,  as 
well  as  indefatigable." 

But  few  of  the  mathematical  and  philosophical 
productions  of  President  Clap  are  preserved  for  the 
benefit  of  posterity.  When  New  Haven  was  inva- 
ded by  the  British  troops,  during  the  Revolutionary 
War,  (in  1779,)  among  other  plunder  taken  off,  in 
a  spirit  of  barbarian  wantonness,  was  a  large  chest 
of  President  Clap's  manuscripts,  then  in  possession 
of  his  excellent  daughter.  Madam  Wooster,  wife 


89 

of  General  David  Wooster.  President  Stiles  ad- 
dressed a  letter  on  the  subject  to  General  Tryon, 
commander  of  the  expedition,  representing  that  "a 
war  against  science  had  been  reprobated  for  ages, 
by  the  wisest  and  most  powerful  generals ;"  and 
requesting  a  return  of  the  manuscripts. 

The  General  promised  his  exertions  in  their  re- 
covery, but  it  afterwards  appeared,  that  many  of 
the  manuscripts  were  thrown  overboard,  into  Long 
Island  Sound.  Some  were  picked  up  by  boatmen, 
near  Fairfield,  and  others  at  East  Haven,  three 
weeks  after  the  evacuation;  but  President  Stiles 
expresses  his  regret,  that  most  of  President  Clap's 
manuscripts  are  "now  lamentably  and  irrecover- 
ably lost."* 

A  manuscript  essay,  entitled  "  Conjectures  upon 
the  nature  and  motions  of  3Ieteors,  which  are 
above  the  atmosphere,''''  by  President  Clap,  had  for- 
tunately been  copied  by  the  Rev.  Ebenezer  Bald- 
win, of  Danbury,  and  was  found  among  his  papers 
after  his  death.  It  was  thus  rescued  from  the  fate 
of  the  other  manuscripts,  and  was  published,  at 
the  suggestion  of  President  Stiles,  in  1781.  It 
furnishes  honorable  proof  of  the  author's  mathe- 
matical and  astronomical  science,  and  of  his  pow- 
ers as  a  reasoner.  His  theory,  on  that  interesting 
subject,  has  received  the  sanction  of  many  of  the 
most  eminent  modern  philosophers;  and  particu- 
larly, has  been  ably  and  elaborately  discussed,  in 


Life  of  President  Stiles,  p.  265. 

12 


90 

an  essay  by  Doctor  Day,  now  President  of  Yale 
College. 

That  President  Clap's  science  was  practical  as 
well  as  speculative,  is  among  other  proofs,  happily 
evinced  by  a  fact  recorded  by  the  Kev.  Jared 
Eliot,  of  Killing  worth,  Connecticut,  in  an  elabo- 
rate work  on  Agriculture,  published  by  him  in 
1760,  at  Boston.  The  learned  author  says,  "  Mr. 
Tull's  wheat  drill  is  a  wonderful  invention,  but  it 
beins  the  first  invented  of  that  kind,  no  wonder  if 
it  be  intricate,  as  indeed  it  is,  and  consists  of  more 
wheels  and  other  parts,  than  there  is  really  any 
need  of  This  I  was  very  sensible  of  all  along, 
but  knew  not  how  to  mend  it,  therefore  applied 
myself  to  the  Rev.  Mr.  Clap,  President  of  Yale 
College,  and  desired  him,  for  the  regard  which  he 
had  to  the  public,  and  to  me,  that  he  would  apply 
his  mathematical  learning  and  mechanical  genius, 
in  that  affair ;  which  he  did  to  so  good  purpose, 
that  his  new  modelled  drill  can  be  made  with  a 
fourth  part  of  what  Mr.  Tull's  will  cost.  This  I 
look  upon  as  a  great  improvement,  and  take  this 
opportunity  to  make  my  acknowledgments  for  the 
favor." 

During  the  Presidency  of  Mr.  Clap,  the  direc- 
tion of  Collegiate  studies,  undoubtedly  received  a 
strong  bias  from  his  favorite  pursuits  ;  and  poetry 
and  belles  letters  flourished  feebly  in  a  soil  devoted 
to  the  culture  of  philosophy,  mathematics,  and 
polemic  divinity.  A-  poem  entitled  "  Philosophic 
Solitude^''''  by  William  Livingston,  afterwards  Gov- 


91 

ernor  of  New  Jersey,  is  said  to  be  the  only  produc- 
tion of  this  age,  in  polite  literature,  now  left  to  the 
public. 

This  account  of  President  Clap  will  be  concluded 
by  a  copy  of  an  epitaph,  on  a  monument  erected  to 
his  memory,  in  the  burying  ground  at  New  Haven, 
and  by  a  biographical  sketch,  drawn  by  President 
Stiles,  and  inserted  in  the  appendix  to  Doctor 
Holmes'  life  of  the  latter. 

EPITAPH. 

"  Here  lyeth  interred  the  body  of  the  reverend 
and  learned  Mr.  Thomas  Clap,  the  late  President 
of  Yale  College,  in  New  Haven ;  a  truly  great 
man,  a  gentleman  of  superior  natural  genius,  most 
assiduous  application,  and  indefatigable  industry. 
In  the  various  branches  of  learning,  he  greatly  ex- 
celled ;  an  accomplished  instructor ;  a  patron  of 
the  College ;  a  great  divine,  bold  for  the  truth ;  a 
zealous  promoter  and  defender  of  the  doctrines  of 
grace ;  of  unaffected  piety,  and  a  pattern  of  every 
virtue ;  the  tenderest  of  fathers  and  the  best  of 
friends ;  the  glory  of  learning  and  the  ornament  of 
religion ;  for  thirteen  years,  the  faithful  and  much 
respected  pastor  of  the  church  in  Windham ;  and 
near  tw^enty-seven  years,  the  laborious  and  princi- 
pal President  of  the  College,  and  having  served 
his  own  generation,  by  the  will  of  God,  with  se- 
renity and  calmness,  he  fell  on  sleep,  the  Tth  day 
of  January,  1767,  in  his  sixty-fourth  year. 

"  Death,  great  proprietor  of  al], 
'Tis  thine  to  tread  out  empire*, 
And  to  quench  the  starss." 


92 

Literary  character  of  President  Clap,  as  deline- 
ated by  Doctor  Stiles,  from  the  appendix  to  Holmes' 
Life,  &-C. 

"  President  Clap  was  possessed  of  strong  mental 
powers,  clear  perception,  and  solid  judgment. 
Though  not  eminent  for  classical  learning,  he  had 
a  competent  knowledge  of  the  three  learned  lan- 
guages. He  was  well  versed  in  algebra,  optics, 
astronomy,  and  the  general  course  of  experimental 
philosophy.  In  mathematics  and  natural  philoso- 
phy, I  have  not  reason  to  think  he  was  equalled  by 
any  man  in  America,  except  the  most  learned  Pro- 
fessor Winthrop.  Many  others,  indeed,  excelled 
him  in  the  mechanic  application  of  the  lower 
branches  of  the  mathematics ;  but  he  rose  to  sub- 
limer  heights,  and  became  conversant  in  the  appli- 
cation of  this  noble  science  to  those  extensive  laws 
of  nature,  which  regulate  the  most  stupendous  phe- 
nomena, and  obtain  throughout  the  stellary  uni- 
verse. I  have  known  him  to  elucidate  so  many  of 
the  abstrusest  theorems  and  ratiocinia  of  Newton, 
that,  I  doubt  not,  the  whole  Principia  of  that 
illustrious  philosopher  was  comprehended  by  him  ; 
a  comprehension  which,  it  is  presumed,  very  few 
mathematicians,  of  the  present  age,  have  attained. 
Wollaston's  Religion  of  Nature  was  the  basis  of 
his  moral  philosoph}',  and  Westminster  Calvinism 
was  his  theology.  He  had  thoroughly  studied  the 
Scriptures,  and  had  read  the  most  eminent  divines 
of  the  last  two  hundred  years.  In  his  peculiar 
manner,  he  had  examined  so  many  authors,  through 


93 

the  tract  of  time  from  Jerome  to  the  present  day, 
as  well  as  the  three  more  primitive  ages,  that,  on 
the  fundamental  doctrines  of  religion,  I  believe 
him  to  have  been  possessed  of  the  sentiments  of 
the  whole  Christian  world.  History,  ancient  and 
modern,  political  and  ecclesiastical,  he  was  well 
versed  in.  He  had  deeply  studied  the  history  of 
the  Assyrian  empire ;  that  of  Greece ;  that  of  the 
Roman  empire,  through  all  its  periods,  and  partic- 
ularly its  mutation  into  an  Ecclesiastical  State. 
He  studied  the  rise  of  Mahometism  ;  the  Saracenic 
conquests ;  the  dominion  of  the  Caliphs  and  Mam- 
elukes ;  the  extensive  spread  of  this  religion,  and 
the  final  partition  of  the  interest  into  several  em- 
pires. He  had  formed  an  idea  of  the  powers  of 
Europe,  their  connexions,  balances,  and  leading 
springs  of  policy :  and  had  arranged  the  principal 
events  and  revolutions  of  the  several  ages,  from 
antiquity  to  the  present  day.  He  traced  and  con- 
sidered, with  the  closest  attention,  the  causes  of 
greatest  extent,  and  most  forcible  operation,  in 
effecting  public  events,  which,  like  the  laws  of 
nature,  carry  in  themselves  the  certain  futurition 
of  their  phenomena.  He  well  understood  the  his- 
tory and  geography  of  the  Bible;  and  took  great 
pains  to  consider  the  verification  which  it  mutually 
gave  and  received,  when  compared  with  profane 
history.  He  was  well  read  in  the  Fathers,  and  had 
examined  all  the  remains  of  the  antiquities  of  the 
primitive  church.  He  studied  the  police,  worship, 
and  discipline  of  the  Church,  in  the  three  first  and 


94 

two  last  ages.  He  greatly  studied  the  councils, 
general  and  provincial,  and  in  them  was  thoroughly 
versed.  He  was  considerably  read  in  the  common 
law  of  England,  and  in  the  municipal  laws  of 
his  country.  He  was  so  well  versed  in  the  Jus 
Civile.,  the  Institutes  of  Justinian,  the  Pandects, 
the  Novellw  ;  and  from  the  canons,  the  decretals 
of  the  Popes,  he  had  obtained  such  a  general 
knowledge  of  ecclesiastical  law,  that  he  would  have 
honored  a  Doctorate  in  both  laws. 

"  The  labors  of  his  office  left  a  most  contempla- 
tive mind  but  a  few  hours  for  reading.  But  he 
had  a  happy  and  advantageous  method  of  reading : 
he  always  studied  on  a  system,  or  arrangement 
with  respect  to  some  whole,  and  read  to  purpose. 
A  voluminous  library  before  him,  he  treated  as  a 
collection  of  reports,  books  delivering  the  know- 
ledge and  reasonings  of  the  learned  world,  on  all 
subjects  of  literature.  He  seldom  read  a  volume 
through  in  course.  Having  previously  settled  in 
his  mind  the  particular  subjects  to  be  examined, 
and  what  on  any  subject  he  needed  to  ascertain,  he 
then  pitched  directly  on  the  book  or  books,  and 
those  parts  in  them,  which  would  elucidate  the  sub- 
ject of  his  enquiry.  He  would  thus,  with  discern- 
ment and  dispatch,  run  over  fifty  volumes,  if  neces- 
sary, and  select  whatever  they  contained  in  point ; 
and  thus  proceed,  till  he  made  himself  master  of 
the  subject,  generally  passing  unconcernedly  over 
the  rest,  however  attractive  and  interesting.  He 
thus  amassed  and  digested  a  valuable  treasure  of 


95 

erudition,  having  prosecuted  almost  all  the  variety 
of  capital  subjects  in  the  whole  circle  of  literature. 

"  He  was  indefatigable  in  labors,  both  secular  and 
scientific,  for  the  benefit  of  the  College;  there 
being  proof  of  the  one,  in  his  building  a  College 
edifice  and  Chapel ;  and  of  the  other,  in  his  fre- 
quent public  dissertations  on  all  kinds  of  literature. 

"  As  to  his  person,  he  was  not  tall ;  yet,  being 
thick  set,  he  appeared  rather  large  and  bulky.  His 
aspect  was  light,  placid,  serene,  and  contemplative. 
He  was  a  calm,  still,  judicious,  great  man." 

In  a  statistical  account  of  New  Haven,  already 
referred  to.  Doctor  Dwight  thus  speaks  of  Presi- 
dent Clap.  "  His  character  was  extensively  given 
in  a  manner  highly  honorable  to  him,  in  an  appen- 
dix to  the  life  of  President  Stiles,  from  the  Diary 
of  that  gentleman,  by  the  Rev.  Dr.  Holmes,  of 
Cambridge.  As  President  Stiles  knew  him  inti- 
mately, the  character  which  he  has  given  of  him 
cannot  be  questioned.  To  him  who  reads  his  char- 
acter, there  will  remain  little  doubt  that  he  was 
the  greatest  man,  who  ever  sat  at  the  head  of  this 
institution. 

"  Mr.  Richard  Woodhull,  who  was  five  years 
under  his  administration,  and  was  himself  emi- 
nently distinguished  for  his  learning  and  science, 
once  gave  me  the  following  character  of  President 
Clap,  in  answer  to  some  inquiries,  which  I  made 
concerning  this  subject.  '  If  I  were  to  give  his 
character  in  concise  terms,'  said  Mr.  Woodhull, 
'  I  should   give  it  in  this  manner :    In  whatever 


96 

company  he  was,  and  whatever  was  the  subject  of 
conversation,  he  appeared  evidently  to  understand 
it  more  clearly,  and  more  comprehensively  than 
any  other  person  present.'  As  Mr.  Woodhull  had, 
not  long  before,  had  a  controversy  with  President 
Clap,  he  cannot  be  supposed  to  have  been  prejudiced 
in  his  favor.  The  only  serious  defect  in  his  Presi- 
dential character  was,  that  he  was  prone  to  consider 
boys  as  being  men." 


97 


CHAPTER  VI. 

The  Presidency  of  the  Rev.  Napthali  Daggett,  S.  T.  D. 

The  disordered  state  of  the  College,  at  the  timp 
of  the  resignation  of  President  Clap,  produced 
deep  solicitude  in  the  minds  of  those,  who  had  so 
long  watched  with  paternal  care  over  its  interests. 
Doctor  Daggett,  as  has  been  remarked,  was  ap- 
pointed President  pro  tempore  ;  but  the  Corpora- 
tion were  satisfied  that  a  thorough  reformation  in 
academic  studies  and  government,  was  necessary, 
to  revive  public  confidence,  and  restore  the  useful- 
ness of  the  institution.  The  individual  exertions 
of  President  Daggett,  whose  course  of  studies  had 
been  especially  directed  to  the  Theological  depart- 
ment, would  be  of  little  avail,  unless  supported  and 
sustained  by  Tutors  of  popular  character,  and  who 
could  add  the  embellishments  of  polite  literature  to 
the  graver  pursuits  of  the  Students. 

The  Corporation  were  most  fortunate  in  their 
selection.  Mr.  Ebenezer  Baldwin,  afterwards  pas- 
tor of  the  church  in  Danbury,  Mr.  Stephen  M. 
Mitchell,  afterwards  Chief  Justice  of  the  state,  and 
Mr.  Job  Lane ;  who  are  justly  styled,  in  the  me- 
moir of  the  Hon.  Judge  Trumbull,  "  very  accom- 
pHshed  scholars,"  wore  chosen  Tutors. 

13 


98 

After  the  vacation,  the  Students  reassembled, 
and  order  was  restored  in  the  institution. 

The  management  of  the  College,  and  particu- 
larly in  the  literary  and  classical  departments,  was 
chiefly  confided  to  the  Tutors ;  and  they  vindicat- 
ed, with  honorable  zeal  and  talents,  their  just  claim 
to  the  trust  reposed  in  them. 

The  names  of  these  gentlemen  are  mentioned, 
although  in  a  secondary  rank  of  academic  power, 
as  we  are  to  trace  to  the  period  of  their  Tutorship, 
and  in  a  great  degree  to  their  personal  exertions, 
an  important  and  salutary  change  in  the  course  of 
Collegiate  instruction.  Although  the  condition  of 
the  institution  did  not  justify  immediate  and  radi- 
cal innovation,  on  established  usages,  yet  so  far  as 
prudence  would  admit,  the  Tutors  encouraged  the 
study  of  the  English  language,  composition  and 
oratory  ;  and  interwove,  with  severer  scholastic  ex- 
ercises, the  ornaments  of  polite  and  popular  learn- 
ing. 

In  this  judicious  manner,  they  prepared  the  way 
for  that  thorough  change,  in  the  course  of  instruc- 
tions, which  their  distinguished  successors  in  the 
Tutorship,  Messrs.  Howe,  Trumbull  and  Dwight, 
were  enabled  to  perfect.  The  era  of  this  change 
was  providential.  Minds  were  then  forming,  which 
were  destined  to  direct  the  energies  of  a  young 
empire,  and  to  give  character  and  dignity  to  one 
of  the  noblest  struggles  recorded  in  history.  Edu- 
cation more  practical,  and  talents  more  popular, 
than  belonged  to  a  system  almost  monastic,  were. 


99 

soon  to  be  required,  and  events  proved  how  wisely 
the  instructors  of  Yale  College  had  prepared  for 
the  emergency. 

In  the  year  1770,  the.  General  Assembly  of  the 
state,  resolved  to  found  a  Professorship  of  Mathe- 
matics and  Natural  Philosophy  in  the  College,  and 
the  Corporation,  soon  after,  elected  the  Rev.  Ne- 
hemiah  Strong,  as  Professor  for  that  department ; 
who  was  inducted  into  office  before  the  expiration 
of  the  year.  This  appears  to  be  the  most  impor- 
tant addition  made  to  the  academic  officers  of  the 
institution  during  the  Presidency  of  Doctor  Dag- 
gett. 

President  Daggett  resigned  the  chair  as  Presi- 
dent, on  the  1st  of  April,  1777,  retaining  his  con- 
nexion with  the  College,  as  Professor  of  Divinity. 
Although  the  period  of  his  Presidency,  was  fruit- 
ful in  incidents  affecting  the  future  character  of 
the  College,  it  is  not  deemed  necessary  to  refer  to 
them,  otherwise  than  as  they  are  mentioned  in  the 
following:  notice  of  his  character  and  life. 

PRESIDENT    DAGGETT. 

President  Daggett  was  born  at  Attleborough, 
Massachusetts,  in  the  year  1727,  and  educated  at 
Yale  College,  where  he  was  graduated  in  1748.* 

In  1751,  he  was  settled  in  the  ministry  at  Smith- 
town  on  Long  Island,  where  he  performed  his  pas- 
toral duties  with  great  reputation  for  about  five 


HolmcB'  Life  of  Stiles,  p.  39C. 


100 

years.  In  the  year  1755,  he  was  chosen  Professor 
of  Divinity  in  Yale  College,  and  was  inducted  into 
office  on  the  4th  of  March,  1756.  He  performed 
the  important  duties  of  that  department  of  Colle- 
giate instruction,  for  twenty-five  years,  and  until 
his  death ;  which  event  occurred  on  the  25th  of 
November,  1780. 

In  addition  to  the  peculiar  duties  attached  to  his 
Professorship,  he  also  discharged  those  of  Presi- 
dent of  the  institution,  from  the  time  of  President 
Clap's  resignation,  in  September  1766,  till  the  1st 
of  April,  1777,  when  he  resigned  that  charge. 

His  appointment  to  the  Presidency  was  pro  tem- 
pore^ probably  because  the  Corporation  of  the 
College,  were  desirous  of  retaining  his  services 
more  exclusively  in  the  Theological  department, 
for  which  he  had  been  originally  selected.  He  is 
uniformly  represented,  by  those  who  have  traced 
his  character,  as  "  a  good  classical  scholar,  well 
versed  in  moral  philosophy,  and  a  learned  divine."* 

Were  no  other  evidence  transmitted  to  us,  of  the. 
superiority  of  his  mind,  and  the  extent  of  his 
acquirements,  it  would  be  sufficiently  evinced  by 
the  fact,  that  he  was  selected  as  the  first  Professor 
of  Divinity  attached  to  the  College,  at  the  early 
age  of  twenty-eight  years,  at  a  period  too  w^hen  the 
Board  of  Trustees  was  entirely  composed  of  cler- 
gymen, distinguished  alike  for  classical  and  theo- 
logical learning,  and  whose  judgments  had  been 

*  Life  of  Stiles,  p.  396. 


101 

ripened  by  maturity  of  years.  Such  men,  when 
called  upon  to  fill  a  professorship,  that  should  carry 
into  effect  the  original  intention  of  the  founders, 
and  make  the  College  "  a  school  of  the  Church," 
would  weigh  with  caution  the  qualifications  of 
candidates.  Indeed,  President  Clap,  in  his  annals, 
says,  that  previous  to  his  inauguration  and  instal- 
lation, "  the  President  and  Fellows  met,  and  spent 
a  day  in  examining  Mr.  Daggett,  as  to  his  princi- 
ples of  religion,  his  knowledge  and  skill  in  divinity, 
cases  of  conscience,  scripture  history  and  chro- 
nology, antiquity,  skill  in  the  Hebrew  tongue,  and 
various  other  qualifications  for  a  Professor ;  in  all 
which  he  acquitted  himself  to  the  good  satisfac- 
tion of  the  Corporation." 

The  printed  sermons  of  Doctor  Daggett,  deliv- 
ered on  special  occasions,  give  honorable  evidence 
of  his  talents  as  a  writer  and  divine.  Among  these 
may  be  particularly  mentioned,  a  sermon  delivered 
in  1768,  occasioned  by  the  death  of  Mr.  Job  Lane, 
before  mentioned  as  a  distinguished  Tutor  of  the 
College,  and  a  sermon  preached  at  Danbury,  in 
1770,  at  the  ordination  of  the  Reverend  Ebenezer 
Baldwin,  a  fellow  laborer  with  the  former,  in  ad- 
vancing the  literary  reputation  of  the  institution. 
Both  these  productions  do  honor  to  the  profound 
views  and  cultivated  talents  of  Doctor  Daggett. 

During  a  considerable  part  of  his  Presidency, 
the  country  was  agitated  by  the  high  excitements 
that  preceded  the  Revolutionary  War,  and  by  the 
deep  distress  and  solicitude  that  marked  the  com- 


102 

mencement  and  progress  of  that  righteous  but  fear- 
ful conflict ; — a  period,  it  might  be  supposed,  ill 
adapted  to  the  quiet  of  literary  pursuits,  or  the 
proper  exercise  of  academic  discipline.  And  yet 
perhaps,  the  history  of  the  College  does  not  furnish 
another  period  more  fruitful  in  men,  truly  eminent 
in  every  department  of  learning. 

The  peculiar  condition  of  the  country,  just 
emerging  from  colonial  vassalage,  into  the  dignity 
of  an  independent  nation,  and  filled  with  high  and 
enthusiastic  sentiments  of  liberty,  may  readily 
account  for  the  rapid  advancement  of  aspiring 
young  men,  (then  entering  on  the  stage  of  life,)  in 
civil,  political,  and  military  rank.  But  it  is  among 
the  catalogues  of  Doctor  Daggett's  pupils,  support- 
ed as  he  was  by  talented  and  distinguished  Tutors, 
that  we  must  also  search  for  the  epic  bards  of  our 
country — for  Trumbull  and  Dwight,  and  Hum- 
phreys and  Barlow.  How  few  instructors  can  adorn 
their  academic  laurels  with  richer  jewels. 

His  pupil,  Doctor  Dwight,  in  his  account  of  New 
Haven,  bears  honorable  testimony  to  the  worth  of 
his  instructor.  He  says,  "  Doctor  Daggett  was 
respectable  as  a  scholar,  a  divine,  and  a  preacher. 
He  had  very  just  conceptions  of  the  manner  in 
which  a  College  should  be  governed ;  but  he  was 
not  always  equally  happy  in  the  mode  of  adminis- 
tering its  discipline.  A  number  of  persons  were 
not  willing  to  do  justice  to  his  merits.  I  say  this 
with  confidence,  because  I  was  acquainted  with 
him,  for  a  long  time,  in  the  most  intimate  manner. 


103 

The  College  was  eminently  prosperous  under  hia 
Presidency.  His  sermons  were  judicious,  clear, 
solemn  and  impressive." 

In  concluding  this  brief  notice  of  President 
Daggett,  his  character  as  a  patriot  should  not  be 
omitted.  Like  most  of  the  New  England  clergy, 
his  stimulating  voice  urged  on  his  countrymen  in 
the  glorious  cause  of  independence ;  and  his  hand 
and  his  heart  dared  to  execute  what  his  judgment 
approved  in  others.  On  the  5th  of  July,  1779, 
about  two  thousand  British  troops,  apparently  with- 
out any  other  objects  than  plunder  and  wanton 
rapacity,  took  possession  of  New  Haven.  Their 
approaches  from  the  shipping  were  resisted  only  by 
a  few  militia  and  citizens,  hastily  assembled. 
Among  the  most  forward  of  these^  was  the  vener- 
able Professor  of  Divinity  of  Yale  College,  who 
bravely  opposed  the  advance  of  the  enemy,  until 
compelled  by  wounds  to  surrender  his  musket. 
The  fearlessness  of  his  conduct,  instead  of  awaken- 
ing generous  sentiments  in  the  breasts  of  his  foes, 
excited  them  to  acts  of  cruelty ;  and  the  violence 
committed  on  his  person,  when  a  prisoner,  ever 
after  affected  his  constitution,  and  is  supposed  to 
have  occasioned  eventually  his  death. 

Had  the  canvas  perpetuated  the  recollection  of 
this  disgraceful  instance  of  predatory  warfare, 
New  Haven,  like  Bunker's  Hill,  would  have  shown 
another  illustrious  example  of  the  intenseness  of 
that  patriotism,  that  could  arm  a  clergyman's  hands 
with  instruments  of  blood. 


104 

After  exhibiting  in  a  life  of  usefulness,  such  evi- 
dences of  piety,  learning  and  patriotism,  the  writer 
believes  that  President  Daggett  has  earned  a  just 
claim  to  what  he  describes  as  an  object  of  univer- 
sal desire. 

In  a  sermon  preached  at  the  death  of  Mr.  Lane, 
(already  referred  to),  he  says  : 

"  I  believe  there  is  scarce  any  person  to  be  found 
who  can  now  be  absolutely  indifferent  to  what  shall 
be  said  of  him,  when  he  shall  be  in  his  grave. 
The  perpetuating  an  honorable  character  was  the 
grand  object  of  ambition,  the  siimmum  bo7ium, 
with  the  generality  of  the  heathen  worthies,  wheth- 
er in  literature,  government,  or  arms.  They  dis- 
covered an  unbounded  desire  of  immortalizing 
their  names.  Optimus  quisqiie  maxime  ducittir 
lionore. — Cicero.  What  they  discovered,  I  believe 
was  originally  implanted  in  human  nature,  although 
improved  in  them  by  education. 

"  We  may  therefore  conclude,  upon  good  evidence, 
that  the  endearing  our  name  to  posterity  is  a  natu- 
ral good,  desirable  in  itself,  suited  to  gratify  an  in- 
nocent passion  or  desire  in  human  nature,  and  that 
it  is  one  of  those  blessings,  whereby  the  righteous 
are  and  will  be,  distinguished  from  the  wicked, 
whose  names  shall  rot.     Prov.  10.  7." 


105 


CHAPTER  VII. 

The  Presidency  of  the  Rev.  Ezra  Stiles,  S.  T.  D.    LL.  D. 

(The  Corporation  oi"  Yale  College,  in  common 
with  the  literary  men  of  the  age,  had,  for  some 
time  previous  to  the  resignation  of  President  Dag- 
gett, witnessed,  with  high  gratification,  the  grow- 
ing reputation  and  scientific  accomplishments  of 
one  of  the  alumni  of  the  institution,  the  Reverend 
Ezra  Stiles,  Pastor  of  a  Church  in  Newport, 
Rhode  Island. 

The  rank  that  he  held  among  the  clergy,  and 
men  of  letters,  pointed  him  out  as  a  suitable  per- 
son to  fill  the  vacant  chair,  and  accordingly,  after 
a  satisfactory  consultation  with  the  committee  of 
the  General  Assembly,  on  the  subject,  he  was  duly 
elected  President  in  September  1777.  In  addition 
to  this  appointment.  Doctor  Stiles  Avas  also  chosen 
Professor  of  ecclesiastical  history,  and  was  for- 
mally inducted  into  both  offices  on  the  8th  of  July, 
1778J  On  this  occasion,  the  academic  ceremonies 
were  appropriate  and  impressive.  Professor  Dag- 
gett opened  the  meeting  with  prayer,  the  presiding 
Fellow  then  deUvered  a  Latin  oration,  and  com- 
mitted the  College  to  the  instruction  and  govern- 
ment of  Doctor  Stiles.  The  President  replied  by 
addresses  in  Latin,  to  the  Corporation,  and  the 

14 


100 

various  classes  of  the  assembly.  A  congratulatory 
oration,  in  Latin,  was  then  delivered  by  one  of  the 
senio:-  Bachelors;  to  which  succeeded  a  learned 
oration  in  the  same  language,  by  the  President,  on 
the  Encyclopedia  of  Literature. 

After  the  ceremonies  of  his  induction,  the  Pro- 
fessors and  Tutors  waited  upon  him,  with  an  address, 
expressive  of  the  affection  and  respect  with  which 
the  College  received  him  as  their  President. 

Rt  the  time  of  his  induction,  the  only  regular 
Professorships  were  tiiose  of  Divinity  and  Mathe- 
matics, and  although  the  condition  of  the  College 
had  essentially  improved,  during  the  Presidency  of 
Doctor  Daggett,  yet  the  gloomy  state  of  the  coun- 
try, involved  as  it  was  in  a  desperate  struggle  for 
liberty,  which  required  all  its  resources,  seemed  to 
forbid  the  expectation  of  any  rapid  advancement 
in  literary  institutions!^  Notwithstanding  these  dis- 
couragements, the  talents  of  the  President  gradu- 
ally infused  new  vigor  and  animation  into  the 
establishment. 

[In  the  year  1780,  Professor  Daggett  died,  after 
a  short  illness,  and  was  succeeded  in  that  chair  by 
the  Reverend  Samuel  Wales,  then  pastor  of  a 
Church  in  Milford,  Connecticut,  who  was  inducted 
on  the  12th  June,  178^ 

On  the  12th  September  1781,  after  an  interval 
of  seven  years,  (arising  from  obstacles  growing  out 
of  the  Revolutionary  War,)  Commencement  was 
celebrated  in  public.  On  this  occasion,  the  Presi- 
dent introduced  the  exercises  of  the  morning  by  a 


107 

Hebrew  oration,  and  those  of  the  afternoon  by  a 
Latin  oration. 

In  1782,  a  brick  dining  hall  was  erected,  sixty 
feet  in  length  and  thirty  in  breadth.  In  the  mod- 
ern improvements  and  alterations  of  Collegiate 
buildings,  this  hall  has  been  converted  into  a  chem- 
ical laboratory  and  lecture  room,  and  is  now  used 
for  those  purposes. 

jProfessor  Strong  having  resigned  his  office,  the 
President,  on  the  2d  January  of  this  year,  deliver- 
ed a  lecture  in  the  Chapel,  on  Natural  Philosophy, 
and  continued  to  give  occasional  lectures  on  that 
branch  of  science,  and  on  Mathematics,  until  the 
chair  of  that  Professorship  was  fillecL? 

In  1783,  the  number  of  Students  in  the  College, 
under  the  popular  government  of  President  Stiles, 
had  increased  to  two  hundred  and  seventy.  Vari- 
ous additions  were  made  to  the  philosophical  appa- 
ratus, principally  by  means  of  individual  liberality 
and  contributions,  and  the  institution  attained  high 
rank  and  reputation. 

The  auspicious  effects  of  Doctor  Stiles's  unwea- 
ried efforts,  aided  by  his  enlightened  academic  as- 
sociates, on  the  character  of  the  College,  are  hap- 
pily illustrated  in  a  letter  from  the  first  President 
Adams,  acknowledging  the  honor  of  a  degree  as 
Doctor  of  Laws,  conferred  upon  him  in  1788.  "  If 
this  honorary  degree  is,  as  you  inform  me,  to  be 
considered  as  a  token  of  affection  and  esteem,  I 
shall  certainly  hold  it  among  the  most  precious  of 
things :  since  nothing  can  be  more  pleasing  to  me. 


108 

or  more  satisfactory  to  my  highest  ambition,  than 
the  approbation  of  an  University  which  has  dis- 
tinguislied  itself  in  Uterature,  among  the  foremost 
in  America,  and  which  is  the  hght  of  a  Common- 
wealth that  I  esteem  the  purest  portion  of  man- 
kind." 

In  1790,  as  "  an  encouragement  to  the  study  of 
the  English  language,"  Noah  Webster,  Esq.  appro- 
priated a  certain  proportion  of  the  avails  of  his 
Grammatical  Instilute,  to  be  given,  as  an  annual 
premium,  to  the  author  of  the  composition  which 
should  be  judged  best,  by  the  President,  Professors 
and  Tutors  of  the  College. 

This  donation  has  subsequently  been  commuted 
for  a  definite  sum. 

An  important  change  in  the  chartered  rights  and 
government  of  the  College,  was  at  this  time  matur- 
ing. The  College  had,  from  its  foundation,  enjoy- 
ed the  patronage  and  fostering  care  of  the  govern- 
ment, but  had  resisted  its  claim  to  visitatorial  power. 
The  Corporation  was  composed  entirely  of  clergy- 
men, and  although  the  original  intention  of  making 
the  College  exclusively  "  a  school  of  the  Church,'''^ 
had  for  many  years  been  abandoned,  no  laymen 
were  permitted  to  have  a  place  among  its  gov- 
ernors. 

President  Clap  had  obtained  a  triumph  in  argu- 
ment ;  but  in  doing  so,  had  convinced  many,  not 
only  private  citizens,  but  legislators,  that  in  some 
cases,  what  is  legally  right,  may  be  positively 
wrong.     Besides,  many  religious  sects,  which  were 


109 

inconsiderable  when  the  College  was  founded,  had 
increased  in  numbers,  talents  and  wealth,  and  they 
naturally  felt  desirous,  that  the  supervision  of  lay- 
men should  be  extended  to  an  institution,  where 
pupils  of  all  religious  denominations  were  to  re- 
ceive their  education.  They  very  properly  thought 
and  contended,  that  a  judicious  union  of  civil  and 
ecclesiastical  power,  would  inspire  confidence,  re- 
move long  cherished  prejudices,  and  give  additional 
vigor  and  stability  to  the  College.  President  Stiles, 
from  the  time  of  his  entrance  into  office,  had  uni- 
formly encouraged  conferences  with  the  General 
Assembly,  and  their  personal  inspection  of  the  state 
of  the  College. 

At  the  session  of  the  General  Assembly,  in  Oc- 
tober 1791,  a  committee  was  appointed,  "-to  confer 
with  the  President  and  Fellows  of  Yale  College, 
relative  to  the  state  and  circumstances  of  said  Col- 
lege." This  committee  attended  faithfully  to  their 
trust,  and  were  met  by  the  Corporation  in  a  spirit 
of  honorable  frankness  and  candor.  The  condition 
of  the  institution,  both  as  to  its  management  and 
resources,  was  communicated  by  the  President  and 
Faculty  without  reserve,  and  at  the  next  May 
session  of  the  Assembly,  the  committee  made  a  full 
and  satisfactory  report. 

After  commending  the  great  improvements  in 
discipline  and  literary  exercises,  observable  in  ihe 
College  the  committee  add,  "  The  treasury  is  in  a 
much  better  condition  than  we  apprehended,  in 
Justice   to   (he  Corporation,  we  are   bound  to  oh- 


no 

S€rve,  that  their  finances  have  been  managed  with 
great  dexterity,  prudence  and  economy."  A  just 
and  honorable  compHment  to  a  succession  of 
wise,  prudent  and  conscientious  men,  who  had  for 
nearly  a  century,  guarded  the  funds  of  this  favor- 
ite Seminary,  with  almost  a  miser's  care.  The 
Committee  close  their  report,  by  enumerating,  as 
the  most  pressing  wants  of  the  College,  another 
building  to  accommodate  the  Students ;  an  addition 
to  the  library,  which  then  consisted  of  about  three 
thousand  volumes,  principally  of  ancient  books;  a 
further  provision  for  the  Professorship  of  Mathe- 
matics and  Natural  Philosophy ;  and  an  increase 
of  salaries  paid  to  the  Tutors. 

This  report  was  highly  acceptable  to  the  Assem- 
bly, who  replied  to  the  frank  and  confiding  conduct 
of  the  Corporation,  by  the  passage  of  the  following 
liberal  act,  whereby  they  designed,  not  only  to  im- 
prove the  government  of  the  College,  but  to  re- 
lieve its  wants. 

An  act  for  enlarging  the  powers  and  increasing 
the  funds  of  Yale  College,  (enacted  in  May  1792.) 

"  §1.  Be  it  enacted^  hy  the  Governor  and  Coun- 
cil and  House  of  Representatives  in  General 
Court  assembled,  That  3lr.  William  Hart,  Mr. 
John  Trumbull,  and  3Ir.  Andreic  Kingsbury,  be 
and  they  are  hereby  appointed,  commissioners, 
with  full  power  and  authority,  to  receive  the  balan- 
ces now  due  and  payable,  on  all  the  taxes  hereto- 
fore laid,  for  the  payment   and  discharge  of  the 


Ill 

principal  and  interest  of  the  public  debt  of  this 
state,  and  all  other  balances  due,  and  receivable,  at 
the  treasury,  on  all  public  paper  of  this  state,  in 
trust,  and  for  the  purposes  in  this  act  hereafter 
mentioned ;  who  shall  give  bonds  to  the  treasurer 
of  this  state,  with  two  sufficient  sureties,  to  the 
acceptance  of  the  treasurer,  in  the  sum  of  twenty 
thousand  pounds  lawful  money,  conditioned  for 
the  faithful  discharge  of  said  trust ;  and  that  the 
receipts  of  any  one,  or  more  of  said  commissioners, 
shall  be  received  by  the  treasurer  of  this  state,  and 
credited  in  satisfaction,  and  discharge  of  the  afore- 
said balances ;  and  that  after  the  passing  of  this 
act,  the  treasurer  of  this  state  shall  not  receive  into 
the  treasury  any  part  of  said  balances,  but  shall 
proceed  to  enforce  the  collection  thereof  for  the 
purposes  of  this  act,  in  manner  as  by  law  is  already 
provided. 

"§2.  And  be  it  further  enacted^  That  said  balan- 
ces, which  shall  come  into  the  hands  of  said  com- 
missioners, be,  and  the  same  are  hereby  appropri- 
ated to,  and  for  the  use  and  benefit  of  Yale  College 
in  New  Haven,  to  be  applied  in  manner  following, 
viz.  the  sum  of  two  thousand  Jive  hundred  pounds 
lawful  money,  out  of  the  avails  thereof,  for  the 
purpose  of  erecting  a  new  building  or  college,  for 
the  reception  and  accommodation  of  the  Students ; 
and  the  residue  shall  be,  and  hereby  is  established, 
as  a  fund  for  raising  an  annual  revenue,  forever 
hereafter,  to  be  applied  to,  and  for  the  support  of, 
necessary  professors,  in  the  various  arts  and  scien- 
ces, for  the  benefit  of  said  College. 


•         "2 

"  Provided  nevertheless^  That  the  said  commis- 
sioners shall  not  pay  and  deliver  the  said  balances, 
or  any  part  tliereof,  to  the  President  and  Fellows 
of  said  College,  until  the  said  President  and  Fel- 
lows shall  have  paid,  or  transferred  to  the  treasur- 
er of  this  state,  in  legal  form,  the  amount  of  fifty 
per  cent,  on  the  sum  collected  on  said  balances,  in 
some  kind  and  denomination  of  the  public  stock  of 
the  United  States,  which  now  is  or  hereafter  may 
be  issued;  or  shall  have  given  good  and  sufficient 
security,  to  the  satisfaction  of  said  commissioners, 
conditioned  for  the  payment,  or  transfer  of  the 
same,  in  such  reasonable  time  as  said  commission- 
ers shall  judge  proper. 

"  §  3.  And  he  it  further  enacted^  That  in  case 
this  grant  shall  be  accepted,  in  manner  as  herein 
after  provided,  the  Governor,  Lieutenant  Governor, 
andsix  senior  assistants  in  the  council  of  this  state, 
for  the  time  being,  shall  ever  hereafter,  by  virtue 
of  their  said  offices,  be  Trustees  or  Fellows  of  said 
College ;  and  shall,  together  with  the  present  Pres- 
ident and  Fellows  of  said  College,  and  their  suc- 
cessors, constitute  one  Corporation,  by  the  name 
and  style  mentioned  in  the  charter  of  said  College; 
and  shall  have  and  enjoy  the  same  powers,  privi- 
leges and  authority,  in  as  full  and  ample  a  manner, 
as  though  they  had  been  expressly  named  and  in- 
cluded in  said  charter  :  And  that  in  case  of  vacan- 
cy, by  death  or  resignation,  or  in  any  other  way, 
of  any  of  the  present  Fellows  of  said  College,  and 
their  successors,  eyery  such  vacancy  shall  forever 


113 

■■V 

hereafter  be  supplied  by  them,  and  their  successors, 
by  election,  in  the  same  manner  as  though  this 
act  had  never  passed :  And  that  the  said  Governor, 
Lieutenant  Governor,  and  senior  assistants,  or  any 
four  of  them,  together  with  the  present  Fellows  of 
said  College,  and  their  successors,  or  any  six  of 
them,  shall  at  all  future  meetings  of  said  Corpora- 
tion, be  a  quorum  for  the  transaction  of  business. 

"  §  4.  Provided  ahcays^  and  it  is  hereby  enacted 
and  declared^  That  this  act  shall  not  have  any 
force  or  effect,  so  far  as  the  same  respects  the  ap- 
propriating said  balances  to  the  use  of  said  College 
or  in  any  respect  adding  to,  or  varying  the  charter 
and  constitution  thereof,  unless  the  same  shall  be 
accepted  and  approved  by  the  present  corporation 
of  said  College,  in  legal  meeting  assembled:  And 
that  as  soon  as  a  certified  copy  of  such  their  ac- 
ceptance and  approbation,  in  legal  form,  shall  be 
lodged  with  the  secretary  of  this  state  for  record, 
the  said  commissioners  shall  proceed  to  pay  over 
and  deliver  said  balances,  for  the  use  of  said  Col- 
lege, according  to  the  directions  of  this  act.  But 
in  case  the  said  President  and  Fellows  shall  neg- 
lect or  refuse  to  accept  of  said  grant,  upon  the 
terms  and  conditions  aforesaid,  for  the  term  of  one 
year,  from  and  after  the  rising  of  this  Assembly,  in 
that  case,  the  said  commissioners  shall  hold  and 
retain  the  sums  they  shall  receive  on  said  balances, 
subject  to  the  future  orders  of  the  Assembly. 

"  Provided  also,  That  nothing  in  this  act  shall  be 
construed  to  prevent  the  General  Assembly  of  this 

13 


114 

state,  from  .ibating  or  remitting  any  part  of  said 
balances,  in  favor  of  any  person  or  town,  from 
whom  the  same  may  be  due,  whenever,  on  apphca- 
tion,  they  shall  judge  reasonable." 

Some  of  the  provisions  of  this  act  were  subse- 
quently modified  by  the  passage  of  the  following 
act. 

An  act  in  addition  to  an  act,  entitled  "An  act  for 
enlarging  the  powers  and  increasing  the  funds  of 
Yale  College,"'  (enacted  in  May,  1796.) 

"  §  1.  Be  it  enacted,  by  the  Governor  and  Coun- 
cil^ and  House  of  Kepresentattves,  in  General 
Court  assembled,  That  the  claim  of  the  state  to 
the  fifty  per  cent.,  reserved  in  said  act,  and  therein 
provided  to  be  transferred  by  the  said  President 
and  Fellows  to  the  treasurer  of  this  state,  in  legal 
forms,  in  some  kind  and  denomination  of  the  public 
stock  of  the  United  States,  be,  and  the  same  is 
hereby  relinquished  to  the  said  President  and  Fel- 
lows, for  the  use  and  benefit  of  said  Yale  College. 

"  Provided  nevertheless.  That  nothing  shall  be 
held  or  claimed  under  this  act,  unless  said  Presi- 
dent and  Fellows  shall,  within  thirty  days  from  the 
rising  of  this  Assembly,  transfer  to  the  treasurer 
of  this  state,  in  legal  form,  thirteen  thousand  seven 
hundred  and  twenty  six  dollars  and  thirty-nine 
cents,  in  the  deferred  stock  of  the  United  States ; 
and  upon  the  said  President  and  Fellows  procuring 
a  receipt  from  said  treasurer,  for  said  sum  of  defer- 
red stock,  transferre<l  as  aforesaid,  any  bond  or 


115 

security,  which  may  have  been  given  for  the  trans- 
fer of  said  fifty  jjer  cent,  mentioned  in  said  former 
act,  shall  be  cancelled  and  delivered  up. 

"§2.  And  he  it  further  enacted^  That  said 
President  and  Fellows,  shall  annually  render  to  the 
General  Assembly,  during  their  session  in  October, 
an  account  of  the  receipts  and  expenditures  of  the 
monies  belonging  to  said  College." 

At  a  special  meeting  of  the  Corporation  of  the 
College,  on  the  28th  June,  next  following  the  pas- 
sage of  the  first  above  recited  act,  they  unani- 
mously voted  its  acceptance ;  and  on  the  20th  of 
July,  a  legal  notice  to  that  effect  was  filed  with  the 
Secretary  of  State. 

This  happy  adjustment  of  Legislative  and  Colle- 
giate powers,  was  received  with  general  satisfac- 
tion by  all  classes  of  citizens. 

At  the  subsequent  Commencement,  the  Corpo- 
ration was  organized  according  to  the  terms  of  the 
act,  by  the  union  of  the  civilians  therein  specified 
with  the  old  members  ;  and  they  and  their  succes- 
sors have  since  constituted  the  regular  board,  for 
the  corporate  government  of  the  College. 

The  beneficial  effects  of  the  act  were  soon  mani- 
fest. A  part  of  the  funds  received,  were  immedi- 
ately applied  to  the  erection  of  another  College 
edifice.  The  corner  stone  of  the  building,  usually 
distinguished  as  South  College,  was  laid  by  the 
President,  in  the  presence  of  the  Mayor  and  Alder- 
men of  the  city,  of  the  Officers  and  Students  of 
the  College,  and  a  hirgc  number  of  citizens,  in 
April,  1793.     It  bears  the  following  inscription. 


\ 


116 

liZRA    STILES, 

Coll.  Yal.  Prseses. 
Primvm  Lapidem  posvit, 
Acad.  Cond.  93. 
Apr.  15, 1793. 

After  laying  the  corner  stone,  the  President  pro- 
nounced an  appropriate  discourse,  in  which  he 
acknowledged  the  liberality  of  the  General  Assem- 
bly, gave  an  historical  sketch  of  the  College,  and 
commended  the  edifice  which  was  to  be  erected, 
with  all  the  interests  of  the  University,  to  the 
smiles  and  blessings  of  the  Most  High. 

This  building  is  of  brick,  and  is  one  hundred 
and  four  feet  long,  thirty-six  feet  wide,  and  four 
stories  high,  and  was  completed  on  the  17th  July, 
1794. 

Another  part  of  the  funds,  arising  from  the  grant 
of  the  Assembly,  was  applied  to  the  Professorship, 
of  Mathematics  and  Natural  Philosophy.  That 
office,  which  had  been  vacant  since  the  resignation 
of  Professor  Strong,  in  1781,  was  now  filled  by  the 
election  of  Josiah  Meigs,  Esq.  who  was  inducted 
into  the  Professorship,  on  the  4th  of  December, 
17947; 

On  the  18th  of  February,  in  this  year,  Professor 
Wales,  who  had  been  incapacitated,  for  two  years, 
by  bodily  infirmities,  from  perfornting  his  official 
duties,  closed  the  scene  of  his  sufferinjjs. 

The  contemporaries  of  Doctor  Wales  speak  of 
his  talents  and  virtues  in  the  most  exalted  terms. 


117 

He  is  described  by  them  as  "  an  excellent  preacher, 
who  by  his  distinguished  abilities,  in  union  with 
exemplary  piety,  added  lustre  and  dignity  to  the 
Theological  chair." 

The  death  of  this  distinguished  auxiliary  in  the 
cause  of  science,  was  soon  to  be  followed  by  a 
more  unexpected  bereavement. 

On  the  8th  May,  1795,  President  Stiles  was 
suddenly  seized  with  a  malignant  fever.  Its  pro- 
gress was  fearfully  rapid,  and  on  the  12th  of  May, 
after  a  confinement  of  only  four  days,  this  truly 
eminent  Scholar  and  Divine  was  "gathered  to  his 
fathers." 

From  the  foundation  of  the  College  to  the  death 
of  Doctor  Stilesj^wo  thousand  three  hundred  and 
sevehty^^o  Styii§jQts  had  received  their  education 
at  the  institution,  of  which  number,  six  hundred 
and  eighteen  were  educated  under  his  Presidency. 


CHARACTER. 

Ezra  Stiles  was  the  son  of  the  Reverend  Isaac 
Stiles.  He  was  born  at  North  Haven,  in  Connec- 
ticut, on  the  10th  day  of  December,  1727. 

In  September,  1742,  he  entered  Yale  College  at 
the  age  of  fifteen  years. 

His  principal  Tutor  was  Mr.  Thomas  Darling 
of  Woodbridge,  a  gentleman  of  distinguished  abili- 
ties and  science.  In  consequence  of  delay  in  col- 
lecting the  proceeds  of  the  sale  of  a  small  estate, 
that  had  descended  to  him  from  his  mother,  and 
which  was  designed  to  defray  the  expenses  of  his 


118 

education,  Mr.  Stiles  was  in  a  great  degree  depend- 
ant on  the  patronage  of  friends,  during  his  resi- 
dence at  College.  In  these  circumstances,  the 
generous  friendship  of  President  Clap,  who  discern- 
ed in  the  fine  genius  and  literary  ambition  of  his 
pupil,  the  sure  indications  of  future  eminence,  was 
fully  exerted,  and  by  various  acts  of  liberality,  he 
contributed  to  defray  the  expenses  of  his  education. 

Mr.  Stiles  received  his  degree  as  Bachelor  of 
Arts,  in  1746,  having  attained  distinguished  rank 
among  the  scholars  of  the  institution. 

On  this  occasion  he  was  respondent  in  defence  of 
a  thesis,  which  afterwards  commended  itself  to  his 
maturer  judgment,  and  received  the  support  of  his 
more  practised  pen. 

"  Jus  reguin  non  est  jure  divino  hasreclitari- 
uvn^'^  "  The  hereditary  right  of  kings  is  not  of 
divine  authority." 

The  pursuits  of  literature,  which  were  so  attrac- 
tive to  his  inquisitive  mind,  rendered  a  longer  resi- 
dence at  New  Haven,  peculiarly  desirable  to  Mr. 
Stiles,  but  his  straitened  circumstances  seemed  to 
forbid  the  indulgence  of  his  wishes.  At  this  time 
he  found  another  benefactor,  in  the  son-in-law  of 
his  venerable  College  patron.  Captain  David 
Wooster,  of  the  British  army,  (in  after  times  a 
distinguished  General  and  martyr  of  the  Revolu- 
tion,) who  had  married  a  daughter  of  President 
Clap,  invited  Mr.  Stiles  to  reside  in  his  family  at 
New  Haven,  during  his  absence  on  military  duty, 
at  Louisbure. 


119 

The  invitation  was  accepted,  and  his  studies,  in 
every  department  of  science,  were  pursued  with  a 
zeal  and  industry  rarely  equaled.  In  a  literary 
diary,  kept  by  him  during  the  greater  part  of  his 
life,  he  inserted  at  this  time,  the  following  noble 
sentiments  and  resolution,  as  the  guides  of  his  am- 
bition. 

"  I  consider  myself  as  a  citizen  of  the  intellec- 
tual world,  and  a  subject  of  its  Almighty  lawgiver 
and  judge ;  by  him  I  am  placed  upon  an  honorable 
theatre  of  action,  to  sustain,  in  the  sight  of  mortal 
and  immortal  beings,  that  character  and  part 
which  he  shall  assign  me,  in  order  to  my  being 
trained  up  for  perfection  and  immortality ;  and  shall 
therefore,  from  this  time  forth,  devote  my  life  to 
the  service  of  God,  my  country,  and  mankind." 

In  1749,  Mr.  Stiles  was  chosen  a  Tutor  of  Yale 
College,  and  during  the  same  year  was  licensed  as 
a  preacher. 

About  this  period,  the  mind  of  Mr.  Stiles  was 
affected  by  doubts  as  to  the  authenticity  of  the 
Scriptures,  and  although  he  never  avowed  himself 
to  be  an  absolute  infidel,  yet  his  scepticism  was  of 
such  a  character,  as  to  render  it  proper  in  his  judg- 
ment, that  he  should  qualify  himself  for  another 
profession. 

The  state  of  his  health  furnished  a  reasonable 
pretext  for  seeking  an  employment,  deemed  less 
trying  to  the  constitution  than  the  duties  of  the 
ministry.  He  accordingly  comnicnced  the  study 
of  the  law,  and  in  November  1753,  was  admitted 


120 

as  an  attorney,  by  the  County  Court  at  New 
Haven. 

His  biographer  mentions,  that  he  practised  at 
the  bar  until  1755,  and  his  acquirements  in  all  the 
departments  of  statute,  common  and  civil  law,  are 
said  to  have  been  extensive. 

Although  his  fame  and  usefulness  were  not  des- 
tined eventually,  to  depend  on  his  juridical^learning 
and  exertions,  yet  the  knowledge  of  law,  acquired 
at  this  period,  was  afterwards  manifested  with  great 
advantage,  in  the  discharge  of  his  high  Collegiate 
dutie3. 

The  life  of  President  Stiles  is  so  fruitful  in  inci- 
dents, that  the  confined  limits  of  the  writer  will 
only  allow  him  to  note,  in  a  brief  chronological 
summary,  the  most  important. 

On  the  12th  December,  1756,  he  pronounced  a 
LatinjCuneral  oration,  in  honor  of  Governor  Law. 
His  knowledge  of  the  ancient  languages,  particu- 
larly the  Latin,  was  very  remarkable,  and  drew 
from  Professor  Meigs,  who  delivered  his  funeral 
oration,  this  high  eulogy,  "  He  wrote  this  language 
with  surprising  facility,  and  with  a  purity  and  ele- 
gance, that  would  have  honored  the  age  of  Augus- 
tus." 

In  September,  1752,  he  delivered,  at  the  Presi- 
dent's desire,  a  Latin  half  century  oration,  at 
Commencement. 

At  the  Commencement,  in  1753,  he  pronounced 
a  latin  oration,  in  memory  of  Bishop  Berkeley, 
a  distinguished  benefactor  of  the  College,  who  died 
in  January  of  that  year. 


121 

On  the  5th  Fehruary,  1755,  he  pronounced  a 
Latin  oration  in  the  College  Hall,  in  compliment 
to  Doctor  Franklin,  then  o)i  a  visit  to  the  literati, 
at  New  Haven.  He  had  previously  paid  much 
attention  to  the  discoveries  made  hy  this  distin- 
guished philosopher,  and  had  repeated  his  interest- 
ing experiments  on  electricity.  On  this  occasion, 
an  ardent  friendship,  based  on  mutual  worth,  was 
cemented,  that  was  not  dissolved  during  their  lives. 

In  May,  1755,  the  second  Church  and  congrega- 
tion in  Newport,  Rhode  Island,  gave  Mr.  Stiles 
an  invitation  to  become  their  minister.  About  this 
time  the  doubts  and  sceptical  feelings,  that  had  so 
long  perplexed  his  mind,  had  yielded  to  a  full  con- 
viction of  the  authenticity  of  the  Christian  system. 
This  conviction  was  the  result  of  calm,  patient, 
and  laborious  investigation,  and  to  use  his  own 
language,  his  "doubts  having  given  way,"  he  "could 
honestly  devote  himself  to  the  service  of  the  great 
Immanuel." 

A  minute  statement  of  facts,  connected  with  this 
interesting  portion  of  the  life  of  Doctor  Stiles,  is 
given  by  his  biographer.  Doctor  Holmes. 

But  notwithstanding  his  religious  sentiments  had 
thus  become  fixed  and  stable,  he  felt  great  reluc- 
tance in  abandoning  the  profession  of  law,  for 
which  he  had  formed  a  very  strong  attachment, 
and  his  first  resolution  was  to  decline  the  invitation 
to  Newport.  This  resolution  eventually  yielded  to 
reflection,  and  he  accepted  their  proposal. 

16 


122 

At  the  Commencement  in  September,  he  resign- 
ed the  Tutorship,  having  filled  that  ofilce  six  years 
and  a  half,  with  eminent  usefulness  and  dignity. 

Mr.  Stiles  was  ordained  as  Pastor  over  the 
Church  in  Newport,  on  the  22d  October,  1755. 

An  extensive  pnblic  li])rary,  called  in  honor  of 
its  found<'r,  the  lledwood  Library,  rendered  New- 
port, in  addition  to  other  advantages,  an  agreeable 
residence  for  a  man  of  science ;  and  few  were  dis- 
posed to  avail  themselves  more  fully  of  its  pleas- 
ures and  advantages,  than  the  new  pastor.  His 
faithful  attention  to  pastoral  and  parochial  duties, 
did  not  detach  his  mind  from  the  pursuits  of  science, 
and  his  correspondence  with  his  former  associates 
at  College,  evince  both  his  affectionate  regard  for 
the  institution,  and  his  attachment  to  literary  la- 
bors. Astronomy,  at  this  time,  appears  to  have 
been  his  favorite  study. 

But  the  range  of  enquiries  and  literary  occupa- 
tions, which  bounded  the  efforts  of  the  most  zealous 
of  liis  contemporaries,  did  not  satisfy  the  enthusi- 
asm of  Mr.  Stiles.  His  prompt  and  ready  talents 
enabled  him  to  discharge  faithfully  his  pastoral 
duties,  and  yet  reserve  a  large  portion  of  time  for 
scientific  investigations.  He  extended  his  views  to 
almost  every  department  of  learning,  and  sought 
by  a  correspondence  with  learned  men,  in  all  quar- 
ters of  the  globe,  to  perfect  himself  in  the  knowl- 
edge of  every  science.  His  perfect  acquaintance 
with  the  Latin  language,  furnished  great  facilities 
in  such  a  corresjiondence. 


111  a  letter  written  at  the  age  of  twenty-six  years, 
to  a  gentleman  in  London,  he  thus  forcibly  express- 
es his  passion  for  letters. 

"  I  am  desirous,  (and  1  think  the  ambition  not 
illaudable,)  of  cultivating  a  very  free,  as  well  as 
friendly  correspondence  with  gentlemen  of  letters, 
in  various  parts  of  the  world,  to  whom  I  would  be 
glad  of  the  honor  of  being  introduced ;  for  with 
Mr.  Pope,  the  utmost  point  of  my  desire,  in  my 
present  state,  terminates  in  the  society  and  good 
will  of  worthy  men;  which  I  look  upon,  to  be  no 
ill  earnest  of  the  society  and  alliance  of  happy 
souls  hereafter." 

Among  his  correspondents  were  learned  men  of 
every  nation,  of  different  professions  and  of  all 
religious  creeds.  The  Jesuits  of  Mexico,  the  Greek 
priests  of  Syria,  learned  Jewish  Rabbis,  as  well  as 
the  philosophers  of  Europe,  were  found  in  the  num- 
ber. By  these  means  he  amassed  a  store  of  curi- 
ous knowledge,  alike  wonderful  for  extent  and 
variety. 

In  his  deportment  and  conduct  as  a  clergyman, 
while  he  maintained  with  firmness  and  talents  the 
creed  that  he  professed,  he  also  manifested  to  Chris- 
tians of  all  sects,  a  kind  and  friendly  spirit.  "  It  is 
one  glory  of  a  Presbyterian,  (says  this  truly  ami- 
able man,)  to  be  catholic  and  benevolent ; — it  is 
anptlier  glory  to  stand  fast  in  the  faith.  Many  do 
not  stop  at  the  distinction  between  being  charitable 
to  another  sect  and  joining  it.  1  may  have  charity 
for,  and  a   i-ood  opinion  o(  a   Lutheran;    I  may 


124 

have  a  better  for  a  Calvanist,  and  yet  be,  strictly, 
neither.  I  may  have  a  good  opinion  of,  and  Chris- 
tian affection  for,  all  Protestant  churches;  I  may 
have  a  very  good  oi)inion  of  those  of  Geneva  and 
Holland ;  but  perhaps,  best  of  all  for  that  of  Scot- 
land, or  for  those  of  New  England." 

On  another  occasion  he  says,  "  Doctor  Leland 
deserves  highly  of  the  Christian  world.  Men  of 
sense,  of  whatever  religion,  ought  to  be  treated  as 
he  has  treated  them,  with  candor  and  politeness." 

These  sentiments  were  more  fully  expressed  and 
vindicated  by  him,  in  a  celebrated  sermon,  entitled 
"  A  discourse  on  the  Christian  Union,"  dehvered 
before  the  Convention  of  the  Congregational  min- 
isters of  Rhode  Island,  in  April,  1760.     This  ser- 
mon is  equally  distinguished  for  profound  learning 
and  a  benevolent  and  catholic  spirit.     "  Conviction, 
(says  Mr.  Stiles,)  is  not  to  be  labored  by  the  co- 
ercion of  civil  or  ecclesiastical  punishment ;    but 
by  the  gentle  force  of  persuasion  and  truth ;  not 
by  appeals  to  the  tenets  of  parties  and  great  men ; 
not  by  an  appeal  to  the  positions  of  Arminius  or 
Calvin;  but  by  an  appeal  to  the  inspired  writings. 
The  only  way   is  to  examine  our  sentiments   by 
Scripture  ;  then  candidly  and  benevolently  enquire 
how  far  we  are  agreed  in  reality ;  to  walk  together 
by  the  same  amiable  rule,  so  far  as  we  have  attain- 
ed to  think  alike ;  and  to  forbear  real   differences 
in  love,  where  there  appears  a  sincere  love  of  truth, 
candor  and  piety ;  remembering  we  all  have  the 
unalienable  right  of  private  judgment  in  religion; 


125 

and  that  liberty  of  thinking  and  choosing  our  reli- 
gion, liberty  of  conscience,  was  the  great  errand 
of  our  pious  forefathers  into  America." 

Mr.  Stiles  justly  considered  religious  and  civil 
liberty  as  dependent  upon  each  other,  and  expresses 
his  sentiments  in  the  glowing  language  of  a  Chris- 
tian patriot.  "Possessed,  (says  he,)  of  the  pre- 
cious jewel  of  religious  liberty,  a  jewel  of  inestima- 
ble worth,  let  us  prize  it  highly,  and  esteem  it  too 
dear  to  be  parted  with  on  any  terms;  lest  we  be 
again  entangled  with  that  yoke  of  bondage,  which 
our  forefathers  could  not,  would  not,  and  God  grant 
we  may  never  submit  to  bear." 

This  discourse,  filled  with  noble  views  of  reli- 
gious and  civil  freedom,  was  read  with  great  satis- 
faction, by  enlightened  men,  both  in  Europe  and 
America,  and  testimonials  of  their  approbation 
were  communicated  to  the  author,  in  the  most 
gratifying  terms. 

The  sentiments  of  Mr.  Stiles,  with  regard  to  re- 
ligious and  political  creeds,  have  been  particularly 
referred  to,  as  their  influence  was  afterwards  deep- 
ly felt,  in  a  more  elevated  sphere  of  usefulness  for 
which  providence  had  designed  him. 

In  these  learned  pursuits,  and  with  an  avidity 
for  knowledge  that  left  scarce  a  field  of  science 
unexplored,  Mr.  Stiles  attracted  much  of  the  atten- 
tion of  the  literary  world. 

In  March,  1765,  the  University  of  Edinburgh 
conferred  on  him  the  tiegrcc  of  Doctor  in  Divinity, 
for  which  distinction  he  was  chielly  indebted  to  ilu^ 
inlluence  and  recommendation  of  Doctor  Franklin 


126 

At  this  period  of  liis  life,  the  attention  of  Mr. 
Stiles  was  much  directed  to  Jewish  and  oriental 
history  and  antiquities,  and  as  connected  with  those 
subjects,  and  illustrative  of  sacred  history,  to  the 
condition  of  the  American  Indian  tribes.  In  the 
progress  of  his  enquiries,  he  corresponded  with  the 
most  learned  men,  in  all  parts  of  the  world,  and 
particularly  with  that  distinguished  scholar  and 
antiquary,  Sir  William  Jones. 

On  receiving  his  honorary  diploma  from  Edin- 
burgh, Doctor  Stiles  felt  "  a  sense  of  shame  exci- 
ted," that  so  high  an  ecclesiastical  degree  should 
be  conferred  on  one,  who  was  ignorant  of  the  orig- 
inal language  of  the  Scriptures. 

Although  the  allurements  of  other  more  attrac- 
tive studies,  delayed  the  fulfilment  of  a  resolution 
then  formed  on  the  subject,  yet  in  the  year  1767, 
he  seriously  commenced  the  study  of  the  Hebrew 
language,  devoting  also  considerable  time  to  the 
examination  of  the  Arabic,  Syriac  and  Armenian. 

His  industry  soon  rendered  him  a  master  of  those 
languages,  and  his  critical  skill,  both  in  pronuncia- 
tion and  composition,  was  subsequently  perfected 
by  an  intimate  literary  intercourse  and  friendship, 
with  Haijus  Isaac  Caigal,  a  learned  Jewish  Rabbi, 
who  resided  in  Newport,  and  by  frequent  attend- 
ance at  the  worship  of  the  synagogue. 

But  without  dwelling  minutely  on  the  studies 
and  scientific  labors  of  Doctor  Stiles,  but  referring 
the  reader,  for  all  interesting  particulars,  to  his  in- 
structive biography,  compiled    by  his   son-in-law^ 


127 

Doctor  Holmes,  we  pass  on  to  the  commenccnicnl 
of  the  revokitionary  war.  The  forecast  of  Doctor 
Stiles  had  prepared  him  for  that  event,  and  his  love 
of  liberty,  strengthened  by  an  intimacy  with 
Franklin,  and  other  eminent  patriots,  led  him  to 
embark  with  zeal  in  a  cause,  that  in  his  judgment 
was  intimately  connected  with  the  interests  of  re- 
ligion. 

Soon  after  the  commencement  of  the  Vv^ar,  Rhode 
Island  became  the  theatre  of  active  military  ope- 
rations ;  his  pastoral  flock  was  scattered,  and  Doc- 
tor Stiles  removed  his  family  to  the  town  of  Digli- 
ton,  in  March,  1776.  During  his  residence  at  this 
place,  he  received  several  invitations  for  settle- 
ment; but  his  attachment  to  his  church  at  New- 
port, rendered  him  reluctant  to  dissolve  a  connec- 
tion, that  had  been  productive  of  so  much  mutual 
happiness. 

At  length  he  received  an  invitation  accompanied 
by  circumstances  highly  gratifying  to  his  feelings, 
to  settle  in  Portsmouth  for  one  year.  This  call  he 
accepted,  and  removed  with  his  family  to  that  place 
in  May,  1777. 

But  before  the  expiration  of  this  limited  engage- 
ment, the  resignation  of  President  Daggett,  afford- 
ed an  opportunity  to  the  Corporation  of  Yale  Col- 
lege, to  solicit  the  services  of  this  eminent  scholar, 
in  a  more  extensive  field  of  usefulness. 

On  the  27th  of  September,  he  received  official 
notice  of  his  election  as  President. 


128 

A  fondness  for  pastoral  duties,  strong  attach- 
ments to  the  people  of  his  charge,  and  a  distrust  of 
his  entire  qualifications  for  the  office,  induced  him 
to  hesitate  as  to  the  acceptance  of  the  invitation. 
The  pressing  advice  of  his  numerous  literary 
friends,  added  to  his  own  desire  to  continue  his 
scientific  pursuits,  under  more  favorable  auspices, 
at  length  prevailed,  and  after  relinquishing  his  pas- 
toral charge  in  Newport,  he  announced,  in  March, 
1778,  his  acceptance  of  the  Presidency.  On  the 
20th  June  he  commenced  the  duties  of  his  office, 
and  on  the  8th  of  July,  was  regularly  inducted, 
both  as  President  and  Professor  of  Ecclesiastical 
History. 

The  industry  and  fidelity  with  which  he  discharg- 
ed these  important  and  difficult  trusts,  have  rarely 
been  surpassed,  and  the  extent  and  variety  of  his 
preparatory  studies,  fitted  him,  in  an  eminent  de- 
gree to  supply  the  wants  of  various  professorships. 

This  was  in  effect  performed,  after  the  deaths  of 
Professors  Daggett  and  Wales ;  when  in  addition 
to  his  regular  services,  as  President  and  Professor 
of  Ecclesiastical  History,  he  discharged  the  duties 
of  Professor  of  Divinity,  and  delivered  lectures  on 
Mathematics  and  Natural  Philosophy,  until  their 
vacant  chairs  were  filled. 

To  a  minute  knowledge  of  the  ancient  and  ori- 
ental languages,  he  added  that  of  the  French,  and 
encouraged  their  study  both  by  example  and  in- 
struction. 


129 

As  a  preacher,  the  Rev.  Doctor  Trumbull  says 
of  him,  that  "  he  preached  with  a  commanding 
eloquence  and  fervor." 

His  catholic  spirit  and  conduct,  tended  greatly 
to  allay  excitements,  which  had  been  awakened  in 
minor  religious  denominations,  by  the  rigid  exclu- 
siveness  of  his  predecessor,  and  which  had  so 
nearly  proved  fatal  to  the  institution. 

His  character,  as  a  patriot  and  friend  to  civil 
hberty,  has  already  been  the  subject  of  remark. 
The  circumstances  attending  the  invasion  of  New- 
port and  New  Haven,  tended  to  strengthen  his 
abhorrence  of  tyranny,  and  quicken  his  zeal  in 
the  cause  of  freedom.  In  a  sermon,  preached  at 
Newport  in  early  life,  he  had  vindicated  the  con- 
duct of  the  judges  of  Charles  the  first,  of  England, 
and  the  terrible  sentence  which  closed  the  career 
of  that  infatuated  monarch.  At  New  Haven  he 
published,  in  an  octavo  volume,  the  memoirs  and 
traditionary  accounts  of  three  of  his  judges,  whose 
remains  are  supposed  to  have  been  interred  at  that 
place.  This  book  affords  not  only  interest  to  the 
antiquary,  but  presents  a  happy  illustration  of  the 
President's  political  sentiments. 

The  ardor  and  enthusiasm  of  Doctor  Stiles,  in 
the  pursuit  of  science,  led  him  into  speculations 
that  by  many  were  accounted  visionary,  and  the 
charge  of  literary  credulity  was  frequently  pre- 
ferred against  him.  The  lapse  of  half  a  century 
has  shown,  how  easily  men  of  colder  temperament 
might  prefer  such  charges,  against  an  ardent  votary 

17 


130 

of  learning,  whose   anticipations  were  soon  to  be 
proved  the  prophetic  visions  of  futurity. 

His  successor,  Dr.  Dwight,  thus  speaks  of  his 
hterary  merits.  "  Doctor  Stiles  was  probably  the 
most  learned  man  in  America,  at  the  time  of  his 
death;  and  was  probably  excelled  by  few  in  the 
world.  A  very  learned  Je\yish  Rabbi,  who  lived 
in  Asia,  where  he  corresponded,  for  some  years, 
with  Doctor  Stiles,  and  who  afterwards  came  to 
America,  declared  that  Doctor  Stiles  understood 
and  wrote  Hebrew,  better  than  any  other  Gentile 
whom  he  had  ever  known." 

But  these  notices,  gathered  chiefly  from  thei 
pages  of  Doctor  Stiles'  biographer,  have  already 
been  extended  beyond  the  intended  limits  of  the 
writer,  and  they  will  be  closed  by  a  reference  to 
the  numerous  testimonials,  borne  to  his  literary 
merits,  by  his  contemporaries. 

"  The  University  of  Edinburgh,  the  Colleges  of 
Nassau  Hall,  and  of  Dartmouth,  conferred  on  him 
the  degree  of  Doctor  in  Divinity;  Nassau,  the 
degree  of  Doctor  of  Laws.  The  American  Philo- 
sophical Society,  the  American  Academy  of  Arts 
and  Sciences,  the  Connecticut  Academy  of  Arts 
and  Sciences,  and  the  Massachusetts  Historical 
Society,  chose  him  a  member  of  their  respective 
bodies." 

But  in  the  fullness  of  his  labors,  in  the  vigor  of 
intellectual  strength,  and  in  the  midst  of  new  form- 
ed plans  of  future  usefulness,  death  arrested  the 
career  of  this  distinguished  man. 


131 

This  event  occurred  on  the  12th  May,  1795, 
after  a  severe  illness  of  four  days,  in  the  sixty-eighth 
year  of  his  age. 

It  need  hardly  be  added,  that  the  sudden  extin- 
guishment of  so  bright  a  luminary,  produced  a 
wide-spread  gloom,  or  that  the  numerous  friends 
who  were  attached  to  him,  by  the  bonds  of  science 
and  Christian  fellowship,  hastened  to  offer  their 
tributes  of  affection  to  his  memory. 

The  Reverend  Doctor  Dana,  of  New  Haven, 
preached  a  sermon  at  his  funeral,  and  subsequently 
Professor  Meigs  pronounced  a  beautiful  and  finish- 
ed oration,  in  commemoration  of  his  virtues. 

His  remains  were  interred  in  the  old  burying 
ground  of  New  Haven,  but  on  its  discontinuance 
as  a  cemetery,  were  removed  to  the  present  grave 
yard  of  the  city. 

The  Corporation  of  College  have  erected  a 
handsome  marble  monument  to  his  memory.  It 
bears  the  following  just  inscription. 

Hie 

Jacet  Sepultiis 

EZRA  STILES, 

S.  T.  D. 

LL.  D. 

Qui 

Alta  Mcnte  prsetlitus, 
Eruditioiie  omnigena  imbutus, 
Urbanitate  suavissima, 
"^  Moribus  probis, 

Charitate,  Fide,  Pictatc  cvangelica ; 
Officiis 


132 

Paliib,  Amici,  Praeceptoriss, 

Ecclesi&.  ministri,  hominis, 

Enitens ; 

suis  percarus, 

In  Ecclesia  magno  cultu  dignatus, 

Per  terras  honore  habitus, 

Vixit. 

Lacrymis  Omnium 

Obiit ; 

Maii  XII  mo.  MDCCXCV  to. 

^tat.  LXVIII  vo. 

Ecclesaj  1 1  dae. 

Nov.  Port.  Rhod.  Ins. 

Pastor 

annos  XXII ; 

Collegii  Yalensis 

Tutor 

VI, 

Praeses 

XVIII. 

Scnatus  Academicus 

Coll.  Yal. 

hoc  saxum 

posuit. 


133 


CHAPTER  VIII. 

The  Presidency  of  the  Rev.  Timothy  Dwight,  S.  T.  D.   LL.  D. 

At  an  early  meeting,  after  the  decease  of  Doc- 
tor Stiles,  the  Corporation  of  the  College  elected 
the  Rev.  Timothy  Dwight,  S.  T.  D.  then  Pastor 
of  a  Church  in  Greenfield,  Connecticut,  as  Presi- 
dent. He  accepted  the  appointment,  (which  was 
made  with  great  unanimity,)  and  commenced  the 
performance  of  his  official  duties  in  the  ensuing 
Collegiate  year.  His  advancement  to  the  respon- 
sible station  of  President,  was  made  under  circum- 
stances highly  auspicious  to  the  future  prosperity 
and  usefulness  of  the  institution.  Professor  Silli- 
man,  in  an  Eulogium  pronounced  before  "  the  aca- 
demic body  of  Yale  College,"  on  the  occasion  of 
his  decease,  thus  speaks  of  the  qualifications  of 
Doctor  Dwight,  at  the  time  of  his  election  to  the 
Presidency. 

"  Doctor  Dwight  had  now  arrived  at  the  forty- 
third  year  of  his  age.  In  the  meridian  of  life ; 
mature  in  experience  and  in  reputation;  long  prac- 
ticed in  the  difficult  task  of  instructing  and  govern- 
ing youth ;  familiar  with  the  courses  of  academic 
learning,  and  imbued  with  the  principles  of  most 
branches  of  human  knowledge;  also  possessing 
powers  of  communication  almost   unrivalled,  and 


134 

his  whole  character  surrounded  with  great  dignity 
and  splendor,  the  public  voice,  with  unprecedented 
unanimity,  designated  him  to  fill  the  Presidential 
chair  in  this  seminary,  which  in  May,  1795,  was 
vacated,  by  the  death  of  the  learned  and  venerable 
Doctor  Stiles." 

So  much  of  the  history  and  character  of  an  in- 
stitution, to  which  Doctor  Dwight  devoted  the 
energies  of  his  life,  after  the  acceptance  of  its 
Presidency,  must  be  blended  with  his  personal  me- 
moirs, that  a  brief  chronological  statement  of  aca- 
demic events,  will  only  be  deemed  necessary,  as 
prefatory  to  a  sketch  of  his  biography. 

The  annals  of  literary  institutions  are,  like  polit- 
ical histories  of  nations,  so  dependant  on  governing 
chiefs,  that  the  delineations  of  personal  characters 
are  more  satisfactory  guides  as  to  results,  than 
mere  details  of  occurrences. 

When  he  accepted  the  office  of  President,  the 
whole  corps  of  instructors  consisted  of  four  persons, 
viz.  Josiah  Meigs,  Professor  of  Mathematics  and 
Natural  Philosophy,  Josiah  Stebbins,  Roger  Minot 
Sherman,  and  Jeremiah  Atwater,  Tutors.  The 
entire  interests  of  the  institution  were,  therefore, 
dependent  on  five  gentlemen;  and  as  Tutorships 
were  usually  accepted  for  temporary  support,  and 
literary  advantages,  and  held  for  short  periods,  his 
only  permane?it  reliance  must  have  been  on  Pro- 
fessor Meigs. 

His  predecessor  Doctor  Stiles,  had  discharged 
the  duties  of  a  Professor  of  Ecclesiastical  His- 


135 

tory^  in  addition  to  that  of  President.  Tliostj  du- 
ties, (as  being  deemed  distinct  from  Presidential 
obligations,)  on  the  death  of  Doctor  Stiles,  were 
blended,  by  new  academical  arrangements,  with 
those  of  other  Professorships. 

President  Dwight,  soon  after  his  induction  to 
office,  applied  his  vigorous  powers  to  the  enlarge- 
ment of  Collegiate  advantages.  His  high  reputa- 
tion and  suavity  of  manners,  were  calculated  to 
win  public  support  and  confidence ;  and  his  expe- 
rience as  an  instructor,  enabled  him  to  suggest  im- 
provements of  a  valuable  and  practical  character. 
Although  the  funds  of  the  College  were  small,  he 
endeavored  to  improve  them,  by  extending  the 
range  of  studies  and  attracting  to  the  institution 
all  descriptions  of  Students.  He  manifested  an 
early  desire  to  change  not  only  the  course  of  in- 
struction, but  to  establish  new  departments. 

In  compliance  with  the  plan  of  the  President, 
the  Hon.  Elizur  Goodrich  was  appointed  Profes- 
sor of  Law,  in  the  year  1801.  In  the  year  1803, 
the  Rev.  Jere3iiaii  Day  was  chosen  Professor  of 
Mathematics  and  Natural  Philosophy,  to  supply 
the  place  of  Josiah  Meigs,  Esq.  who  had  accepted 
the  appointment  of  President  of  the  University  of 
Georgia. 

At  this  period,  the  sciences  of  Chemistry  and 
Mineralogy  began  to  attract  the  attention  of  learn- 
ed and  enlightened  men,  in  all  nations.  Doctor 
Dwight  was  sensible  of  their  high  importance,  in 
connection  with  other  branches  of  learning;  but 


136 

deemed  them  essential,  in  a  nation,  whose  physical 
resources  had  never  been  explored  by  scientific 
men. 

In  the  year  1804,  Benjamin  Silliman,  Esq.  who 
had  recently  been  admitted  as  a  Counsellor  at  Law, 
was  chosen  Professor  of  Chemistry  and  Mineralogy, 
and  at  the  request  of  the  Corporation,  visited  Eu- 
rope, with  a  view  to  the  acquisition  of  practical 
knowledge,  in  branches  of  science,  then  little  un- 
derstood in  this  country. 

The  success  of  that  mission,  has  been  too  often 
manifested  in  the  writings  of  the  Professor,  to  need 
either  the  comment  or  eulogium  of  the  writer. 

Immediately  after  the  return  of  Professor  Silli- 
man, he  commenced  the  organization  of  his  de- 
partment, in  the  University,  and  the  delivering  of 
lectures. 

In  the  year  1805,  Doctor  Dwight  was  appointed 
Professor  of  Theology.  He  accepted  the  office, 
and  discharged,  during  his  whole  Presidency,  the 
arduous  duties  attached  to  that  department  of  in- 
struction. 

In  the  same  year,  James  L.  Kingsley^  Esq.  who 
had  been,  for  some  time  previous,  employed  as  an 
instructor  in  the  institution,  and  had  by  his  talents 
won  the  favor  of  literary  men,  was  appointed  Pro- 
fessor of  the  Hebrew,  Greek,  and  Latin  languages. 

The  exertions  of  President  Dwight  were  not 
satisfied  with  these  important  additions  to  the 
means  of  academic  instruction.  He  had  obtained 
accessions  to  the  Theological  and  Law  departments, 


137 

and  strengthened  greatly  the  classical  advantages 
of  the  College.  His  object  was  to  form  a  Univer- 
sity. The  important  profession  of  Medicine  was 
as  yet^  unrepresented ;  and  as  opportunities  offer- 
ed, he  urged,  both  in  private  intercourse  and 
in  public  solicitation,  aid  in  furtherance  of  his 
project. 

He  lived  to  witness,  only  the  partial  completion 
of  his  faithful  exertions  for  the  benefit  of  the  Col- 
lege. The  founding  of  the  Medical  department 
was  effected  during  his  Presidency,  but  as  that 
branch  of  the  College  is  separately  noticed,  it  is 
unnecessary  to  do  more  than  refer  to  the  chapter, 
in  which  its  origin  and  present  condition  are  pre- 
sented. 

PRESIDENT    DWIGHT- 

The  biography  of  this  eminent  man,  even  in  its 
prominent  incidents,  cannot  be  comprised  in  the 
brief  sketch  allowed  by  the  plan  of  the  writer. 
His  character  lives  fresh  and  verdant  in  the  cher- 
ished recollections  of  the  present  age;  and  will 
ever  occupy  a  bright  page  in  the  ecclesiastical  and 
literary  history  of  his  country. 

Under  his  Presidency,  a  feeble  institution,  found- 
ed in  a  wilderness,  by  a  few  pious  but  learned 
clergymen,  as  a  "  School  of  the  Church,"  nourish- 
ed and  fostered  by  a  succession  of  wise  and  faithful 
men,  until  it  rose  into  the  character  of  a  respecta- 
ble College,  attained  the  dignity  of  a  University, 

18 


138 

which    coukl,    with    lionorable    pride,   rank    itself 
among  the  first  in  tlic  country. 

The  varied  excellences  of  this  illustrious  man, 
must  be  learned  from  his  works,  and  the  statements 
of  more  minute  biographers;  it  is  our  task  to  pre- 
sent only  a  brief  outline. 

Timothy  Dwight  was  born  at  Northampton, 
Massachusetts,  on  the  14tli  May,  1752.  Under  the 
government  of  parents  who  possessed  distinguished 
virtues  and  talents,  his  mental  powers  were  rapidly 
developed,  and  he  is  represented  as  having  mani- 
fested very  early  indications  of  his  future  great- 
ness. 

In  his  twelfth  year  he  went  to  Middletown,  Con- 
necticut, for  the  purpose  of  pursuing  his  studies, 
under  the  guidance  of  the  Rev.  Enoch  Hunting- 
ton, a  celebrated  divine  and  scholar. 

In  September,  1765,  he  was  admitted  a  member 
of  the  Freshman  Class  in  Yale  College. 

The  first  two  years  of  his  collegiate  life,  owing 
to  the  usettled  state  of  the  institution,  and  a  per- 
sonal accident,  were  in  a  great  measure  lost.  His 
Junior  and  Senior  years  were  devoted  to  the  pur- 
suit of  science,  with  an  intenseness  of  application 
seldom  equalled.  He  devoted  fourteen  hours  daily 
to  study. 

In  addition  to  the  regular  Collegiate  exercises, 
he  at  this  time  devoted  great  attention  to  the  art  of 
penniansiii[),  and  to  poetry  and  music.  In  each  of 
these  arts  he  attained  great  pcrfectioih 


139 

His  intense  application  at  this  period,  seriously 
affected  his  eyes,  and  produced  a  weakness  of  vision 
that  occasioned  much  distress  in  after  hfe.  It  is 
noted  by  his  biographer,  as  '•  the  era  of  his  exces- 
sive devotion  to  study,  and  the  acquisition  of  knowl- 
edge." 

In  the  year  I7G9,  he  received  his  degree  of 
Bachelor,  having  attained  the  highest  rank  in  his 
class.  Mr.  Dwight  was  then  but  a  little  past 
seventeen  years  of  age,  a  circumstance  referred  to 
in  the  award  of  academic  honors.  Only  one  ap- 
pointment was  made  from  the  class  about  to  re- 
ceive the  degree  of  Bachelors. 

The  President  sent  for  Mr.  Dwight  and  Mr. 
Strong,  (aftewards  the  Rev.  Doctor  Nathan  Strong, 
of  Hartford,)  and  informed  them,  that  the  officers 
of  the  College  considered  them  equally  deserving 
of  the  honor,  but  as  Strong  was  the  oldest,  it  would 
be  given  to  him  at  that  time,  and  to  Dwight  when 
the  class  received  their  degrees  -as  Masters. 

A  short  time  after  leaving  College,  Mr.  Dwight 
was  employed  as  Preceptor  of  a  Grammar  School 
in  New  Haven.  In  this  situation  he  continued  for 
two  years,  with  great  reputation. 

In  September,  1771,  he  was  chosen  a  Tutor  in 
Yale  College,  in  which  office  he  continued  for  six 
years. 

During  the  period  of  his  Tutorship,  the  charac- 
ter of  the  institution  was  radically  changed.  The 
genius  of  Howe,  Trumbull  and  Dwight,  was  not 
content  with  the  acquirement  of  what,  in  tiic  cant 
of  the  times,  was  called  solid  learning. 


140 

They  considered  the  sciences  then  taught  in  the 
College,  as  the  essential  foundation  of  a  good  edu- 
cation; but  they  did  not  consider  the  studies  of 
rhetoric,  composition,  belles-letters,  poetry  and  ora- 
tory, as  unimportant  branches.  They  were  practi- 
cal as  well  as  ornamental,  and  received  their  full 
share  of  attention,  from  those  enlightened  instruc- 
tors. 

At  this  period,  Mr.  Dvvight  devoted  much  time 
to  the  cultivation  of  poetry.  In  the  first  year  of 
his  Tutorship,  at  the  age  of  nineteen  years,  he 
commenced  writing  the  poem  entitled  "  The  Con- 
quest of  Canaan,"  and  completed  it  in  1774. 

In  the  year  1772,  he  received  his  degree  as 
Master  of  Arts.  On  that  occasion  he  delivered 
"  A  dissertation  on  the  history,  eloquence  and  po- 
etry of  the  Bible."  Although  the  effort  of  a  young 
man,  it  is  said  to  have  been  characterized  by  great 
beauty  and  strength  of  style  and  sentiment.  His 
illustrations  were*  original,  and  his  criticisms  just. 
This  dissertation  was  published,  both  in  this  country 
and  in  Europe. 

During  his  Tutorship,  Mr.  Dwight  engaged 
deeply  in  mathematical  studies,  and  carried  his  in- 
vestigations to  the  highest  branches  of  the  science. 

In  May,  1777,  in  consequence  of  the  troubles 
growing  out  of  the  Revolutionary  War,  Collegiate 
exercises  were  suspended  at  New  Haven,  and  the 
Students,  under  their  respective  Tutors,  pursued 
their  studies  in  places  less  exposed  to  hostile  in- 
cursioMs. 


141 

.■t 

Mr.  Dvvight  retired  with  his  class  to  Wethers- 
field,  and  continued  with  them  at  that  place  till 
September. 

In  June  of  this  year,  he  was  licensed  as  a  minis- 
ter, and  preached,  during  the  summer,  to  the  con- 
gregation of  the  parish  of  Kensington,  in  Weth- 
ersfield. 

In  September  he  resigned  his  Tutorship,  and 
was  soon  after  appointed  Chaplain  to  General  Par- 
son's brigade,  in  General  Putnam's  division  of  the 
United  States'  army. 

He  joined  the  army  at  West  Point,  in  October, 

1777,  and  continued  in  that  office  until  October, 

1778,  when  domestic  afflictions  induced  him  to  re- 
sign. His  faithful  discharge  of  his  duties  won  the 
applause  of  the  most  distinguished  officers,  and  his 
residence  at  West  Point  laid  the  foundation  of 
valuable  friendships,  which  were  cherished  in  after 
life.  In  addition  to  his  services  as  Chaplain,  he 
also  animated  the  patriotism  of  the  soldiers,  and 
kindled  their  enthusiasm,  by  the  composition  of 
patriotic  songs,  adapted  to  the  spirit  of  the  times. 

One  of  his  songs,  written  at  this  period,  com- 
mencing with  the  invocation, 

"  Columbia  !  Columbia  !  to  glory  arise, 

The  Queen  of  the  world,  and  the  child  of  the  skies !" 

justly  ranks  among  the  most  beautiful  of  our  na- 
tional melodies. 

On  leaving  the  army,  the  filial  and  fraternal 
duties  of  Mr.  Dwight  were  severely  tested.     His 


142 

father  had  recently  died  on  a  distant  journey,  at 
Natcliez,  on  the  Mississippi,  leaving  a  widow  and 
thirteen  children,  of  whom  Mr.  Dwight  was  the 
eldest. 

On  receiving  the  news  of  this  afflicting  event,  he 
immediately  removed  to  Northampton,  and  devoted 
himself  to  the  care  of  the  paternal  property,  and 
the  support  of  the  family. 

From  the  cultivation  of  a  farm,  the  performance 
of  ministerial  duties  in  vacant  congregations,  and 
the  establishment  of  a  respectable  school,  he  de- 
rived a  sufficient  income  to  defray  honorably  this 
heavy  charge. 

Five  years,  certainly  not  the  least  interesting,  of 
the  life  of  this  distinguished  man,  were  thus  devo- 
ted, with  honorable  generosity,  to  the  support  and 
education  of  his  relations.  During  this  period,  he 
also  devoted  much  time  to  political  exertions,  and 
particularly  in  checking  a  dangerous  spirit  of 
licentiousness,  which  had  grown  out  of  a  long  pro- 
tracted war.  In  the  years  1781  and  1782,  he  rep- 
resented the  town  of  Northampton,  in  the  state 
legislature,  and  is  said  to  have  distinguished  him- 
self highly  in  this  new  sphere,  by  his  industry, 
talents  and  eloquence.  A  petition  for  a  grant  in 
favor  of  Harvard  College,  received  his  zealous  and 
effectual  support;  and  although  in  his  absence,  it 
was  at  first  denied,  he  obtained  a  reconsideration 
of  the  vote,  and  in  a  speech,  "  fraught  with  wit, 
argument  and  eloquence,"  carried  the  measure 
triumphantly  through  the  house. 


143 

His  talents  as  a  legislator,  were  so  conspicuous 
that  many  gentlemen,  of  high  standing  and  influ- 
ence, solicited  him,  at  this  time,  to  abandon  his 
profession,  and  devote  himself  to  public  life.  His 
attachment  to  the  ministry,  however,  and  his  con- 
viction of  its  superior  usefulness,  could  not  yield  to 
the  most  tempting  offers  of  advancement  in  civil 
life. 

After  declining  invitations  to  settle  in  the  minis- 
try, tendered  to  him  by  the  churches  of  Beverley 
and  Charlestown,  he  at  length  accepted  a  call, 
unanimously  made,  in  May,  1783,  by  the  church 
and  congregation  of  Greenfield,  a  parish  in  the 
town  of  Fairfield,  in  Connecticut. 

He  was  ordained  over  that  people,  on  the  5th  of 
November  following,  and  continued  as  their  pastor 
for  twelve  years. 

To  supply  the  deficiency  of  a  very  limited  salary, 
and  enable  him  to  defray  the  expences  incident  to 
an  increasing  literary  reputation,  Mr.  Dwight  es- 
tablished an  academy  at  Greenfield,  for  the  educa- 
tion of  pupils  of  both  sexes.  It  acquired  an  exten- 
sive and  high  character,  and  was  continued  during 
the  whole  period  of  his  residence  at  Greenfield. 
More  than  one  thousand  pupils  were  educated  at 
that  institution. 

Mr.  Dwight's  reputation  as  a  preacher  rapidly 
increased,  and  in  literature  and  theological  knowl- 
edge, he  ranked  among  the  best  scholars  and  most 
distinguished  divines  of  the  country. 


144 

Owing  to  a  weakness  of  his  eyes,  from  causes 
already  referred  to,  he  was  unable  to  write  without 
experiencing  great  pain.  He  therefore  was  com- 
pelled to  rely  chiefly  on  extemporaneous  efforts  in 
preaching,  and  by  pursuing  that  course,  in  a  short 
time  acquired  a  ready,  flowing  and  powerful  elocu- 
tion. 

He  composed,  while  at  Greenfield,  about  one 
thousand  sermons. 

In  1785,  he  published  his  poem,  entitled  "The 
Conquest  of  Canaan,"  which  had  been  written 
several  years  before. 

In  1787,  Mr.  Dwight  received  the  degree  of 
Doctor  of  Divinity,  from  Nassau  College,  New 
Jersey,  at  the  age  of  thirty-five  years. 

In  1791,  he  preached  the  Election  sermon  before 
the  legislature  at  Hartford. 

In  1793,  he  published  a  sermon  on  the  genuine- 
ness and  authenticity  of  the  New  Testament ;  and 
in  the  succeeding  year,  a  poem  called  "  Greenfield 
Hill,"  which,  together  with  "  The  Conquest  of 
Canaan,"  was  republished  in  England. 

In  the  years  1790  and  1791,  his  influence  and 
talents  were  successfully  exerted  in  promoting  a 
union  of  the  Congregational  and  Presbyterian 
churches  throughout  the  United  States. 

In  1794,  he  received  an  invitation  from  the  Con- 
sistory of  the  Reformed  Dutch  Church,  in  the  city 
of  Albany,  to  settle  with  them  as  their  minister. 
Their  offer,  in  point  of  salary,  was  liberal,  and  the 
call  unanimous,  but  causes,  deemed  by  him  satis- 


145 

factory,  uuluced  Doctor   D\vigh(  to  decline  tlie  in- 
vitation. 

But  the  cultivated  mind  and  superior  talents  of 
Doctor  Dwight,  were  not  destined  by  Providence 
to  the  narrow  field  of  village  pastoral  duties,  and 
the  superintendence  of  a  private  academy. 

His  intellectual  and  moral  power  had  been  long 
felt  and  acknowledged  by  his  countrymen,  and  the 
Corporation  of  Yale  College,  acted  not  less  in- 
obedience  to  their  own  wishes  than  to  the  public 
sentiment,  when  they  requested  him,  with  great 
unanimity,  on  the  death  of  Doctor  Stiles,  to  ac- 
cept the  office  of  President. 

In  September,  1795,  Doctor  Dwight  was  duly 
inaugurated  and  presided  at  Commencement,  and 
in  December  following,  removed  his  family  to  New 
Haven.  The  number  of  Students  was  at  this  time 
one  hundfed  and  ten. 

This  was  a  field  adapted  to  his  genius,  his  varied 
learning,  his  skill  jn  government,  and  his  long  ex 
perience  in  academic  instruction ;  but  it  was  em- 
phatically a  field   of  labor,  which   left  no  repose 
even  for  his  well  prepared  and  vigorous  mind. 

The  establishment  of  American  Independence, 
had  not  been  effected,  without  the  moral  contami- 
nation always  the  result  of  protracted  wars.  Li- 
centiousness, both  in  conduct  and  sentiment,  had 
followed  the  footsteps  of  liberty,  and  in  the  exulta- 
tion of  political  emancipation,  infidel  philosophers 
found  ready  listeners,  when  they  represented  the 
restraints  of  religion  as  fetters  of  the  conscience, 

19 


146 

and  moral  obligations,  as  shackles  imposed  by  big- 
otry and  priestcraft. 

Doctor  Dvvight  adopted  the  most  effectual  means 
to  destroy  those  growing  evils.  He  permitted  the 
class  to  select  the  following,  as  the  subject  of  dis- 
cussion, at  one  of  their  Collegiate  exercises.  "Are 
the  Scriptures  of  the  Old  and  New  Testament  the 
word  of  God  ?"  and  encouraged  them  to  exert  their 
full  powers,  in  a  free  but  decorous  debate,  on  which- 
ever side  of  the  question  their  inclination  might 
direct  them  to  engage.  Nearly  the  whole  of  those 
who  took  part  in  the  debate,  supported  the  cause  of 
infidelity.  After  their  arguments  were  concluded, 
the  President  examined  the  whole  ground,  pointed 
out  the  fallacy  of  their  reasoning,  and  vindicated, 
in  an  argument  of  overwhelming  power  and  elo- 
quence, the  authenticity  of  the  Scriptures.  -The 
effect  is  described  as  astonishing.  Not  only  con- 
viction followed,  but  even  the  pride  of  infidelity 
was  humbled,  and  its  advocates  became  unpopular. 

The  dignity  and  refinement  of  Doctor  Dwight's 
manners,  his  elegant  and  commanding  person,  and 
his  superior  colloquial  powers,  were  great  alixilia- 
ries  in  the  government  of  the  University.  The 
Students  felt,  that  they  could  not  only  regard  the 
President  as  their  scientific  guide,  but  could  also 
discern  in  him,  a  model  of  refined  manners;  for  he 
brought  the  accomplishments  of  a  gentleman  into 
the  seats  of  science,  and  made  learning  more  at- 
tractive, by  uniting  it  with  the  graces  of  polished 
life.  ^       f 


147 

His  principal  duties  as  an  instructor  were  con- 
fined to  the  Senior  Class,  and  so  delightful  did  he 
make  the  pursuits  of  knowledge,  that  the  Students 
looked  forward  to  the  Senior  year,  as  to  a  season  of 
mental  recreation. 

Belles-letters,  composition,  rhetoric,  moral  phi- 
losophy, logic  and  metaphysics  were,  among  other 
branches,  embraced  in  his  department  of  instruc- 
tion. The  most  approved  treatises  on  these  subjects 
of  study,  were  regarded  by  him  as  text  books  only, 
and  at  every  recitation,  his  learned,  extensive,  and 
lucid  comments  formed  a  principal  part  of  the  ex- 
ercise. The  recitations  of  Saturday,  were  confin- 
ed to  the  examination  of  the  cardinal  points  of  the 
Christian  system. 

Doctor  Dwight,  soon  after  his  election  to  the 
Presidency,  effected  various  important  alterations 
in  the  Collegiate  laws.  The  statutes  of  the  insti- 
tution, had  been  chiefly  adopted  from  those  of  Eu- 
ropean Universities,  where  the  footsteps  of  monar- 
chical regulation  were  discerned  even  in  the  walks 
of  science.  So  diflicult  was  it  to  divest  the  minds  of 
wise  men,  of  the  influence  of  venerable  follies,  that 
the  printed  catalogues  of  Students,  until  the  year 
1768,  were  arranged  according  to  respectability 
of  parentage.  A  remnant  of  this  aristocratic  dis- 
tinction existed,  when  Doctor  Dwight  was  elect- 
ed to  the  Presidency,  as  the  members  of  the  Fresh= 
man  Class  were  compelled  to  perform  menial  ser- 
vices, and  particularly  to  go  on  errands,  for  the 
two  upper  classes  This  debasing  custom  was 
abolished  in  1804 


148 

The  whole  system  of  laws,  as  to  punishment, 
was  altered  ;  pecuniary  penalties  gave  way  to  more 
efficient  correctives ;  the  character  of  the  Students 
was  elevated  in  grade,  and  the  fear  of  forfeiting 
that,  hy  Collegiate  censure,  became  the  strongest 
incentive  to  correct  deportment. 

Although  the  funds  of  the  College  were  ex- 
tremely limited,  and  its  income  chiefly  dependant 
on  the  number  of  Students,  he  never  permitted  that 
consideration  to  sway  his  conduct  in  the  award  of 
punishment,  but  promptly  dismissed  those  whose 
conduct  was  unworthy  of  gentlemen,  and  calcula- 
ted to  tarnish  the  reputation  of  the  institution. 

In  1805,  the  office  of  Professor  of  Theology  was 
permanently  confided  to  Doctor  Dwight,  who  had 
previously  discharged  the  duties  of  that  chair  by 
virtue  of  annual  appointments. 

During  the  period  of  his  Presidency,  he  found 
little  time  to  devote  to  his  favorite  pursuit  of  poetry. 
His  most  important  service  to  the  public  in  this 
branch  of  literature,  was,  in  the  revision  of  Doctor 
Watts'  Psalms,  made  at  the  request  of  the  General 
Association  of  Connecticut,  completed  in  the  year 
1800,  and  approved  by  the  General  Assembly  of 
the  Presbyterian  Church,  and  recommended  by 
them,  to  the  Congregational  and  Presbyterian 
churches  throughout  the  United  States.  Besides 
important  alterations  in  Doctor  Watts'  version, 
thirty-three  entire  Psalms  were  versified  by  Doctor 
Dwighl  ^ 


149 

As  has  been  before  remarked,  many  new  Proles- 
sorships  were  created  during  his  Presidency,  and 
particularly  the  Professorship  of  Chimistry  and 
Mineralogy.  Tlie  modern  improvements  in  these 
branches  of  science,  awakened  the  earnest  atten- 
tion of  the  President,  and  his  attendance  on  the 
lectures  of  Professor  Silliman  was  as  punctual  as 
that  of  the  Students. 

Soon  after  commencing  his  duties  as  Professor 
of  Theology,  he  adopted  the  plan  of  delivering  a 
systematic  course  of  sermons  on  the  mornings  of 
each  Sabbath,  on  the  leading  doctrines  of  Chris- 
tianity ;  his  discourses  in  the  evening  services  were 
of  a  practical  character. 

In  1805,  the  Corporation  appropriated  the  sum 
of  fifty  pounds  per  annum,  to  defray  the  expense  of 
an  amanuensis,  and  although  the  compensation  was 
small,  the  advantages  thus  offered,  of  a  personal 
intimacy  with  the  President,  always  made  it  a 
situation  much  sought  for,  by  many  young  gentle- 
men, who  were  pursuing  theological  studies.  The 
facilities  afforded  by  this  arrangement,  enabled  him 
to  extend  his  systematic  sermons,  and  preserve 
them  for  future  publication.  Since  his  death,  they 
have  been  published  in  five  volumes  octavo,  both  in 
America  and  Europe,  and  justly  rank  among  the 
most  eminent  of  the  standard  works  on  theology. 

The  state  of  Doctor  Dwight's  health,  which  had 
in  early  life,  been  seriously  impaired  b}  too  intense 
application  to  study,  had  taught  him  the  necessity 
of  fre(ju<'nt  and  vigorous  bodily  exercise.      During 


150 

the  Collegiate  terms,  gardening  and  walking  were 
favorite  occupations;  in  the  vacations,  particularly 
in  the  spring  and  autumn,  he  made  extensive  jour- 
neys, principally  through  New  England  and  New 
York. 

These  periodical  journeys  were  continued  for 
many  years,  and  while  they  contributed  to  his  per- 
sonal benefit,  enabled  him  also  to  extend  the  sphere 
of  his  influence.  His  ample  notes,  taken  during 
these  numerous  journeys,  have  been  published  since 
his  death,  and  form  a  valuable  accession  to  Amel^i- 
can  literature. 

In  addition  to  the  severe  duties  imposed  on  Doc- 
tor Dwight,  in  the  discharge  of  official  functions, 
his  talents  and  active  benevolence  were  constantly 
required  in  the  furtherance  of  plans  for  the  public 
good;  in  providing  teachers  for  schools,  academies, 
and  Colleges ;  in  commending  pastors  to  vacant 
churches;  in  preaching  sermons  on  important  oc- 
casions; and  in  furthering  the  great  religious  char- 
ities of  the  age. 

Our  limits  forbid  us,  even  to  give  a  list  of  his 
various  published  discourses  on  interesting  occa- 
sions. 

His  exertions  greatly  contributed  to  the  founding 
of  the  Connecticut  Academy  of  Arts  and  Sciences 
in  1799;  of  the  3Iissionary  Society  of  Connecti- 
cut; of  the  Society  for  Foreign  Missions,  establish- 
ed in  1809,  at  Boston  Massachusetts;  of  the  Theo- 
logical  Seminary  at  Andover,  of  the  American 
Bible  Societv,  and  of  numerous  other  minor  estab- 


151 

lishments.  Of  many  of  these,  he  was  an  active 
and  efficient  officer. 

In  the  month  of  February,  1816,  Doctor  Dwight 
was  first  attacked  with  the  violent  disease,  to  which 
he  eventually  fell  a  victim. 

It  is  not  our  intention  to  follow  this  eminent  man 
through  the  acute  and  agonizing  distresses  of  his 
protracted  sickness,  nor  to  describe  the  Christian 
hope  and  fortitude  which  sustained  him  through  his 
sufferings. 

He  gained  temporary  relief  from  his  ffi'st  attack, 
and  on  the  2d  of  June,  delivered  an  impressive  ser- 
mon on  his  partial  recovery. 

On  the  17th  of  the  same  month,  the  General 
Association  of  Connecticut  met  at  New  Haven, 
and  Doctor  Dwight,  though  feeble  in  health,  was 
invited  to  break  the  bread  at  the  celebration  of  the 
Eucharist.  He  performed  this  duty  in  a  manner 
peculiarly  affecting  and  solemn.  More  than  one 
thousand  communicants,  including  above  seventy 
clergymen,  received  the  elements. 

During  the  summer  and  greater  part  of  the  suc- 
ceeding autumn,  although  suffering  greatly  from 
disease.  Doctor  Dwight  was  enabled  to  preach,  and 
to  devote  much  time  both  to  literary  and  religious 
investigations. 

On  the  third  of  November,  he  administered  the 
Sacrament  of  the  Supper,  and  preached  in  the 
College  Chapel. 

These  were  his  last  public  offices  as  a  Christian 
minister.  His  paleness  and  languor  continued  to 
increase,  and  excited  deep  solicitude  in  his  friends. 


152       1^  ^ 

On  the  27tli  November,  he  met  the  Senior  Class 
in  their  recitation  room,  for  the  last  time ;  but  con- 
tinued to  instruct  the  Theological  class  at  his  own 
house,  until  within  a  few  days  of  his  death. 

On  the  8th  of  January,  1817,  his  disease  assum- 
ed a  more  violent  and  alarming  character,  and  it 
soon  became  evident  that  he  was  beyond  the  hope 
of  medical  relief 

He  received  the  communication  of  his  friends  as 
to  his  true  condition,  with  calmness,  and  with  a 
Christian  resignation,  worthy  of  his  life  and  profes- 
sion, awaited  the  time  of  his  departure. 

Pain  at  length  appeared  to  have  exhausted  its 
strength,  but  not  before  it  had  destroyed  its  victim. 
On  the  11th  January,  this  great  and  good  man 
calmly  and  without  a  struggle,  yielded  up  his  spirit. 

His  death  spread  a  general  gloom  through  all 
circles  of  society.  Science  mourned  over  the  loss 
of  one  of  her  noblest  sons ;  philanthropy  felt,  that 
a  main-spring  in  that  mighty  machine,  that  moved 
the  charities  of  the  age,  was  broken ;  the  clergy, 
that  a  bright  luminary,  which  like  a  central  orb, 
had  for  many  years  diffused  its  bright  and  vivify- 
ing influence  over  every  path  of  ministerial  labor, 
cheering  and  animating  them  in  their  Christian 
duties,  was  at  length  extinguished. 

The  character  of  this  eminent  divine  and  scholar 
must  be  the  task  of  an  abler  and  more  elaborate 
pen. 

The  variety  and  extent  of  his  knowledge,  his 
self   command   and   mental   discipline,    the   lucid 


153 

order  of  his  thoughts,  his  powerful  eloquence  and 
energetic  reasoning,  his  vivid  but  well  regulated 
imagination,  the  charms  of  his  poetry  and  the 
melody  of  his  music,  all  forbid  the  hopeless  attempt. 
But  he  has  left  better  memorials  of  his  worth,  than 
even  gifted  biographers  can  prepare.  They  are 
traced  on  every  page  of  his  literary  works,  they 
may  be  found  in  the  records  of  the  most  important 
benevolent  institutions  of  the  age ;  in  the  prosper- 
ity of  the  Church  to  which  the  energies  of  his  life 
were  devoted;  in  the  annals  of  a  University,  that 
justly  regarded  him  as  its  pride  and  glory ;  and  in 
the  history  of  a  nation,  which  he  has  largely  con- 
tributed to  advance  in  intellectual  greatness. 

Every  tribute  that  respect  or  affection  could 
manifest  for  his  memory,  was  exhibited  at  his  death. 

His  remains  were  attended  to  the  grave  by  a 
numerous  concourse  of  clergy  and  laity,  of  every 
rank;  business  was  suspended,  and  the  shops  at 
New  Haven  were  closed  during  the  solemnities. 
Numerous  sermons  were  preached  on  the  occasion, 
in  various  parts  of  the  country,  and  in  several 
cities  the  alumni  of  the  College  convened  to  mingle 
their  sympathies,  and  bear  affectionate  testimony 
to  the  worth  of  their  departed  friend. 

The  Corporation  of  Yale  College  have  erected 
a  marble  monument  over  his  grave,  which  bears 
the  following  inscription. 

20 


154 

Ific  sepultus  jacet 

Vir  ille  admodum  reverendus 

TIMOTHEUS  DWIGHT,  S.  T.  D.    LL.  D. 

CoUegii  Yalensis  Praeses, 

et  ejusdem 

Sacrosanctae  Theologiae  Professor : 

Qui 
De  Literis,  de  Religione,  de  Patria 

optime  meritus  ; 

Maximo  suorum  et  bonorum  omnium 

desiderio, 

mortem  obiit, 

Die  XI.  Januar.  Anno  Domini 

MDCCCXVII. 

^tatis  suae 

LXV. 


On  the  opposite  side. 

Ecclesiae  Greenfieldiensis  Pastor 

Annos  XII. 

CoUegii  Yalensis  Tutor 

VI. 

Praeses 

XXII. 

Senatus 

CoUegii  Yalensis 

Hoc  Saxum  Posuendum 

Curavit. 


155 


(HAP  IE  R    IX. 
The  Presidency  of  the  Rer.  Jeremiah  Day,  S.  T.  D. 

The  decease  of  President  Dvvight,  who  in  all 
respects,  was  so  well  qualified  to  direct  and  regu- 
late the  concerns  of  the  University,  awakened  a 
general  solicitude  with  regard  to  its  future  govern- 
ment. In  selecting  his  successor,  the  friends  of  the 
institution  directed  their  attention  to  an  academic 
corps,  formed  under  his  judicious  and  enlightened 
system,  and  the  Rev.  Jeremiah  Day,  then  Profes- 
sor of  Mathematics  and  Natural  Philosophy,  was 
elected  President.  He  had  been  educated  at  the 
College,  had  served  three  years  as  a  Tutor,  and 
fourteen  years  as  Professor  of  Mathematics  and 
Natural  Philosophy,  and  in  the  discharge  of  all 
his  academic  duties,  had  gained  the  favor  of  the 
Corporation  and  Faculty,  and  the  affections  of  the 
Students.  The  obvious  indelicacy  of  alluding  in 
stronger  terms  to  the  fitness  of  this  choice,  must 
restrain  the  remarks  of  the  writer ;  he  may  how- 
ever with  propriety,  advert  to  the  unexampled 
prosperity  of  the  University,  during  the  Presidency 
of  Doctor  Day,  as  evidence  that  the  wisdom  which 
guided  its  early  councils  has  not  forsaken  its  paths. 

The  annals  of  the  institution,  since  the  election 
of  President  Day,  arc  so  familiar  to  those  conver- 


156 

sant  with  the  concerns  of  the  institution,  or  who 
take  an  interest  in  its  prosperity,  that  only  a  brief 
chronological  statement  will  be  requisite  to  com- 
plete the  object  of  this  treatise.  The  Corporation, 
feeling  deeply  sensible  of  the  loss  of  President 
Dwight,  and  being  fully  aware  of  the  fact,  that  the 
character  of  the  College  was,  in  public  estimation, 
very  intimately  blended  with  his  reputation,  wisely 
resolved  to  amplify  the  advantages  of  the  institu- 
tion, by  increasing  the  number  of  Professorships, 
and  thus  strengthening  their  claims  on  a  continu- 
ance of  favor  and  confidence. 

At  a  meeting  of  the  Board,  in  1817,  the  aca- 
demic corps  was  modified  and  extended  by  the  fol- 
lowing appointments. 

The  Rev.  Jeremiah  Day,  S.  T.  D.  was  appoint- 
ed President. 

Alexander  Metcalf  Fisher,  Esq.  a  Tutor  of 
high  reputation  in  the  College,  and  whose  literary 
pursuits  had  been  especially  directed  to  the  study 
of  Mathematics  and  Natural  Philosophy,  was  ad- 
vanced to  the  Professorship  of  those  sciences,  ren- 
dered vacant  by  the  appointment  of  Doctor  Day 
to  the  Presidency. 

The  Rev.  Ciiauncey  A.  Goodrich,  then  Pastor 
of  a  Church  in  Middletown,  Connecticut,  was 
chosen  Professor  of  Rhetoric  and  Oratory.  The 
establishment  of  this  Professorship,  indicated  the 
sentiments  of  the  Corporation  in  reference  to  the 
views  of  Doctor  Dwight,  as  they  added  tliereby,  a 
new  branch  to  the  classical  department  of  the 
University. 


157 

The  chair  of  the  Professorship  of  Divinity,  wiiich 
had  been  tilled  by  Doctor  Dwight,  was  detached 
from  the  Presidency,  and  the  Rev.  Eleazar  T. 
Fitch  appointed  as  Professor. 

The  system  of  government,  established  during 
the  Presidency  of  Doctor  Dwight,  had  proved  so 
efficacious,  that  but  few  modifications  or  additions 
were  deemed  necessary,  and  although  the  course 
of  academic  instruction  has  been  since  materially 
improved,  yet  in  most  particulars,  the  system  es- 
tablished by  him,  remains  unaltered. 

In  the  early  part  of  the  year  1822,  Professor 
Fisher,  at  the  request  of  the  Corporation  and 
Faculty,  sailed  on  a  voyage  to  Europe.  His  ob- 
jects were,  personal  improvement,  by  an  inter- 
course with  the  learned  men  of  the  old  world,  and 
the  selection  of  books  and  apparatus,  for  the  use  of 
the  University.  He  unfortunately  embarked  in 
the  ill-fated  packet  ship  Albion.  The  disastrous 
shipwreck  of  that  fine  vessel,  was  accompanied  by 
circumstances  of  such  an  appalling  nature,  and 
produced  such  peculiar  and  distressing  bereave- 
ments, that  its  details  will  long  live  fresh  in  the 
recollections  of  those  who  are  conversant  with 
American  commerce.  Professor  Fisher  was  among 
the  victims ;  and  probably  few  of  our  countrymen 
could  have  died  at  his  age,  who  had  earned  as 
valuable  a  reputation,  or  whose  loss  would  have 
excited  equal  regret. 

Literary  men  do  not  present  themselves  to  the 
public  view,  in  the  strong  light,  in  which  the  more 
bustling  actors  on  the  theatre  of  life  are  exhibited. 


158 

Vet  iiolwilhstaiitliiig  the  seclusion  of  Professor 
Fisher,  and  his  constant  devotion  to  science,  he  had 
attracted  much  of  pubHc  attention ;  and  the  value 
attached  to  his  occasional  essays,  on  various 
branches  of  learning,  had  awakened  great  expecta- 
tions, with  regard  to  his  future  efforts.  He  pos- 
sessed the  rare  talent  of  illustrating  the  principles 
of  abstract  sciences,  by  exhibiting  their  connection 
with  popular  learning  ;  and  perhaps  few  gentlemen, 
so  well  versed  in  mathematical  science,  have  mani- 
fested, in  other  departments  of  literature,  a  more 
refined  and  cultivated  taste.  An  essay,  written  by 
Professor  Fisher,  and  published  in  the  Journal  of 
Science  and  Arts,  on  the  principles  of  Music,  in 
which  just  rules,  derived  from  mathematics  and  phi- 
losophy, are  applied  to  that  elegant  art,  attract- 
ed, at  the  time  of  its  appearance,  much  public  at- 
tention. It  is  more  particularly  referred  to,  as 
presenting  a  correct  illustration  of  his  genius,  which 
was  so  happily  modeled,  that  science  and  taste 
became  mutual  helpmates. 

On  receiving  tlio  news  of  the  loss  of  the  packet 
Albion,  Professor  Kingslcy,  an  intimate  friend  and 
literary  associate  of  Mr.  Fisher,  was  requested  by 
the  Faculty  of  the  College,  to  pronounce  a  dis- 
course on  the  melancholy  occasion.  He  complied 
with  the  request,  and  drew  the  character  of  his 
friend  with  such  accuracy  of  delineation,  and  cor- 
rectness of  coloring,  that  it  cannot  be  uninterest- 
ing to  those,  who  regard  and  cherish  the  reputa- 
tion of  the  University,  to  indulge  the  compiler  in 
making  liberal  extracts. 

f 


1 59 

Professor  Kingsley  says,  "The  character  of  Pro- 
lessor  Fisher,  such  as  it  appeared  to  me  from  fa- 
mihar  acquaintance  and  long  observation,  I  should 
fear  to  delineate  in  any  other  place  than  this, — 
where  there  are  so  many  who  can  testify  to  the 
justnesks  of  the  description,  and  shield  me  from  the 
charge  of  fanciful  and  extravagant  panegyric.  But 
here  I  do  not  hesitate  to  exhibit  it  as  it  was, — in 
perfect  confidence,  that  what  I  say  will  receive  the 
fullest  attestation  from  those  who  hear  me. 

"  I  have  already  alluded  to  the  quickness  with 
which  he  apprehended  the  most  remote  truths :  but 
rapid  and  almost  intuitive  as  were  his  perceptions, 
no  one  could  be  more  free  from  the  fault  of  precipi- 
tate judgment.  Caution,  no  less  than  activity,  con- 
stituted a  prominent  feature  of  his  mind ;  and  on 
whatever  subject  he  had  formed  an  opinion,  seldom 
could  a  difficulty  be  suggested,  which  he  had  not 
foreseen,  or  an  objection  which  he  was  not  prepar- 
ed to  remove.  To  this  union  of  a  cautious  and 
quick  judgment,  of  ready  decision  and  prudent 
wariness,  no  doubt  the  scheme  of  study,  which  he 
early  adopted,  and  to  which  he  constantly  adhered, 
very  greatly  contributed.  Whatever  book  he  read, 
it  was  the  subject  of  which  it  treated,  that  received 
his  first  and  principal  attention.  He  examined  the 
statements  and  reasonings  of  an  author,  less  to 
know  his  peculiar  views  and  manner  of  unfolding 
them,  than  to  aid  his  own  investigations,  and  obtain 
materials  for  thought  and  reflection.  Hence,  while 
he  was  familiar  with  books  within  the  range  of  his 


studies,  and  minutely  acquainted  with  the  opinions 
and  reasonings  of  others,  he  preserved  his  inde- 
pendence of  mind.  The  operations  of  his  under- 
standing were  very  httle  Hable  to  be  embarrassed 
with  conflicting  opinions,  adopted  at  different  times, 
with  equal  confidence.  He  was  enslaved»to  no 
system,  was  fascinated  with  no  work  on  account 
of  its  antiquity  or  its  novelty, — he  brought  the 
merits  of  a  writer  to  the  standard  of  his  own  intel- 
lect,— and  his  judgment,  though  soon  formed,  he 
seldom  found  reason  to  vary. 

"  With  a  mind  so  unshackled,  he  was  in  a  high 
degree  prepared  for  original  investigation :  and 
here  perhaps  was  to  be  found  his  most  distinguish- 
ing characteristic.  Whatever  subject  he  examined, 
he  was  almost  certain  to  find  some  new  method  of 
supporting  or  illustrating  truths  already  known,  or 
by  the  aid  of  discoveries  already  made,  to  advance 
to  some  new  and  more  remote  conclusion. 

"  As  might  be  expected,  he  was  confident  in  his 
own  opinions, — but  not  impatient  of  contradiction; 
he  was  always  candid  and  ingenuous, — asserting  his 
own  views  without  dogmatism,  and  defending  them 
without  obstinacy.  His  deportment  on  all  occa- 
sions, was  unassuming  and  modest,  marked  with 
no  pretension,  and  the  farthest  removed  from 
ostentation  or  display.  If  in  the  society  of  his 
friends,  or  in  more  enlarged  circles,  he  conversed 
on  subjects  connected  with  his  peculiar  pursuits, 
these  were  never  topics  of  his  own  selecting,  but 
introduced  by    others.     His  studious   and  retired 


161 

habits  may  have  given  him,  among  those  who  im- 
perfectly knew  him,  the  appearance  of  reserve; 
yet  among  his  familiar  acquaintance,  his  disposi- 
tion seemed  frank  and  open,  his  affections  warm, 
and  he  discovered  those  quaUties  which  are  usually 
thought  to  prepare,  in  a  high  degree,  those  who 
possess  them,  for  social  and  domestic  life. 

"  As  to  the  extent  of  his  scientific  and  literary  at- 
tainments, the  proofs  he  has  given  of  eminence  in 
mathematical  and  physical  knowledge,  leave  no 
room  in  this  department  for  doubt  or  hesitation. 
Whoever  has  watched  the  progress  of  his  studies, 
or  the  course  of  his  instruction,  or  has  examined  his 
communications  to  the  public,  will  need  no  further 
evidence  of  talents  and  acquisitions  in  his  own 
peculiar  province,  of  the  first  order.  But  his  re- 
searches, as  before  intimated,  were  not  confined  to 
mathematics  and  physics.  The  philosophy  of  the 
mind  was  likewise  his  favorite  study.  He  was 
familiarly  acquainted  with  the  writings  of  the  most 
distinguished  metaphysicians,  and  had  examined, 
with  the  closest  scrutiny,  their  various  reasonings, 
speculations  and  theories.  If  his  knowledge  of 
the  exact  sciences  qualified  him  to  pursue  with 
uncommon  advantage,  the  evanescent  and  less 
easily  defined  objects  of  intellectual  philosophy,  his 
knowledge  of  the  laws  of  the  human  mind,  its 
capacity,  and  the  proper  region  for  the  exertion  of 
its  powers,  was  no  less  useful  in  directing  and  regu- 
lating his  physical  inquiries.  This  rare  union  of 
two  kinds  of  knowledge  so  different,  and  the  want 

21 


IG2 

of  which  union  lias  so  often  been  attended  with 
injury  to  both,  was  considered  by  the  friends  of 
Professor  Fisher,  as  constituting  one  of  his  chief  ex- 
cellencies, and  affording  the  surest  promise  of  future 
usefulness  and  distinction.  Besides  his  acquire- 
ments in  the  branches  of  knowledge  already  men- 
tioned, and  which  formed,  no  doubt,  his  favorite 
subjects  of  research,  he  ever  continued  to  cultivate 
a  taste  for  classical  learning ;  was  familiar  with  the 
literature  of  England  and  France,  and  indeed, 
there  are  few  topics  of  miscellaneous  knowledge, 
to  which,  with  his  great  industry  and  exact  method 
in  the  employment  of  time,  he  had  not  been  able  to 
give  a  portion  of  his  attention. 

"  What  he  was  as  an  officer  of  this  College,  is 
best  known  to  his  brethren  of  the  immediate  gov- 
ernment and  instruction; — and  to  them  particu- 
larly, I  would  appeal  for  the  truth  of  the  declaration, 
— that  here  he  was  a  model  of  integrity  and  faith- 
fulness, which  it  would  be  well  for  all  in  similar 
stations  to  imitate,  but  which  few  can  hope  to  ex- 
cel. Who  ever  knew  him  neglect  or  decline  any 
duty  ?  The  interests  of  the  institution,  were  with 
him,  the  primary  object  of  attention  and  regard. 
To  know  those  who  were  under  his  government 
and  instruction,  and  to  be  known  by  them ;  to  en- 
courage the  studious,  and  to  expose  the  negligent 
and  the  vicious ;  to  unite  firmness  and  discretion, 
a  due  regard  to  the  circumstances  of  individuals, 
with  an  impartial  execution  of  the  laws,  was  his 
constant  aim,  and  formed  the  distinguishing  traits 
of  his  academic  character. 


163 

"  I  have  only  to  add, — that  to  his  other  quahties 
was  united  a  deep  sense  ol"  rehgious  obligation. 
All  his  conduct  seemed  marked  with  an  exact  and 
unvarying  conscientiousness.  Few  have  manifest- 
ed a  higher  reverence  for  the  divine  law,  or  failed 
less  in  their  obedience  to  the  precepts  of  the  gos- 
pel." 

The  preceding  sketch  of  the  character  of  Pro 
fessor  Fisher,  although  highly  eulogic,  it  is  fully 
believed  does  not  transcend  his  merits. 

The  following  obituary  notice,  designed  as  an 
epitaph,  is  probably  the  j>roduction  of  the  same 
gentleman. 

S.  M. 
ALEXANDKl  METCALF  FISHER, 

Collegii  Yalensis, 

Primo  Alumni,  delude  Tutoris, 

Foiitca  Mallicseos  ct  Philosophiee  Natuialis 

Profcssoris  ; 

Qui 

Ingf'uio  capaci,  et  accrrimo  judicio 

Praeditus, 

In  studia  doctrinae  adco  incubiiit, 

Ut  cum  adhiic  intra  juvcntutis  annos 

Ejus  vcrsaretur  sptas, 

Fropc  f^ummum   literarum  fastigium 

Attigisset. 

His  insuper  laudibus, 

CaHcias,  qucc  virum  bonum  commcndant, 

Virtutes, 

Comitatem, 

Bcnevolcntiani, 

Morum  piobitatem, 

Fidcm  in  ofliciiti  fungcndi;;  maximain, 


164 

Et  summam  Dei  reveientiaui 

Addiderat. 

Et  cum  amore  literarum 

Et  studio  alias  regiones  visendi  ductus. 

In  Europam  navigaret, 

Ad  oras  Hiberniae, 

Eheu  !  tristi  naufragio 

Periit  : 

Die  xxii.  Aprilis,  anno  sacro  M.DCCC.XXII. 

-^tatis  XXVIII. 

A  free,  though  perhaps  not  very  elegant  transla- 
tion, is  subjoined. 

"Sacred  to  the  memory  of  Alexander  Metcalf 
Fisher,  a  graduate  of  Yale  College ;  afterwards 
Tutor ;  and  subsequently  Professor  of  Mathemat- 
ics and  Natural  Philosophy  in  that  institution. 

"  Endowed  with  a  superior  genius,  and  an  accu- 
rate judgment,  he  early  applied  himself  to  the  pur- 
suits of  learning,  and  so  effectually  that  even  in 
youth  he  attained  almost  the  highest  grade  in 
letters. 

"  He  added  to  these  endowments,  the  virtues 
which  adorn  a  good  man ;  suavity  of  manners,  be- 
nevolence, probity,  the  greatest  fidelity  in  the  dis- 
charge of  official  duties,  and  the  highest  reverence 
for  his  God. 

"  Attracted  by  the  love  of  learning,  and  a  desire 
of  viewing  foreign  regions,  he  sailed  for  Europe, 
but  alas,  perished  in  a  disastrous  shipwreck  on  the 
coast  of  Ireland,  on  the  22d  April,  in  the  year  of 
our  Lord  1822,  in  the  twenty-eighth  year  of  his 
age." 


165 

In  the  year  1822,  a  new  Professorship,  connect- 
ed with  the  Theological  department,  was  establish- 
ed. It  is  designated  as  "  The  Dwight  Professor- 
ship of  Didactic  Theology."  The  Rev.  Nathaniel 
W.  Taylor,  S.  T.  D.  then  Pastor  of  a  Congrega- 
tional Church  in  New  Haven,  was  elected  as  the 
Professor,  and  soon  after  commenced  the  discharge 
of  his  duties. 

In  the  same  year,  the  Rev.  Matthew  Rice  But- 
ton, who  had  previously  been  connected  with  the 
institution  as  a  Tutor,  and  had  been  particularly 
distinguished  for  his  skill  and  science  in  Mathemat- 
ics, was  chosen  a  Professor,  to  occupy  the  chair  of 
Mathematics  and  Natural  Philosophy,  vacated  by 
the  death  of  Professor  Fisher. 

In  the  year  1824,  the  Rev.  Josiah  W.  Gibbs,  a 
graduate,  and  former  Tutor  of  College,  was  elect- 
ed Professor  of  sacred  Literature.  The  pursuits 
of  Mr.  Gibbs  had,  for  some  time  previous  to  his 
appointment,  been  directed  to  the  study  of  the  an- 
cient languages  of  the  Scriptures,  and  biblical 
criticism.  He  has  since  that  time  become  favora- 
bly known  to  literary  men,  as  the  author  of  "  a 
Hebrew  and  English  Lexicon  of  the  Old  Testa- 
ment, including  the  biblical  Chaldce,  from  the  Ger- 
man works  of  Professor  W.  Gesenius."  The  addi- 
tions of  Professor  Gibbs  have  increased  the  value 
of  the  original  work,  and  it  has  been  published 
both  in  this  country  and  in  England. 

In  connection  with  his  duties  as  a  Professor,  Mr. 
Gibbs  acts  also  as  Librarian  of  (he  Universitv- 


166 

In  the  year  18*25,  llic  Rev.  Matthew  Rice  Dut- 
ton,  Professor  of  Mathematics  and  Natural  Philos- 
ophy, who  had  for  some  time  been  suffering  under 
the  infirmities  of  a  feeble  bodily  constitution,  de- 
parted this  life.  Professor  Dutton  was  gifted  with 
great  powers  of  mind,  both  as  a  logician  and 
mathematician,  and  had  his  health  enabled  him  to 
bestow  more  critical  attention  on  his  published 
works,  would  have  left  valuable  legacies  for  the 
literary  benefit  of  his  successors.  In  his  charac- 
ter he  exhibited  uncommon  mildness,  and  a  benev- 
olence, that  won  the  esteem  and  affection  of  a  large 
circle  of  friends.  His  habits  of  thought  and  ex- 
pression were  clear  and  logical,  and  he  united  the 
characteristics  of  a  pure  and  good  man,  with  the 
accomplishments  of  a  ripe  scholar  and  j)rofound 
mathematician. 

At  the  next  meeting  of  the  Corporation,  after 
the  decease  of  Professor  Dutton,  in  1826,  Denisojn 
Olmsted,  Esq.  who  had  served  two  years  as  a 
Tutor  in  the  College,  and  was  then  discharging  the 
duties  of  Professor  of  Chimistry,  in  the  University 
of  North  Carolina,  was  elected  as  his  successor. 
He  soon  after  announced  his  acceptance  of  the 
office,  and  has  since  continued  to  discharge  the 
duties  of  tiiat  responsible  department. 

The  increased  importance  attached  to  a  knowl- 
edge of  the  modern  languages,  particularly  the 
French  and  Spanish,  arising  as  well  from  interest- 
ing changes  continually  exhibited  in  the  political 
affairs  «>f  the  world,  as  from  the  extension  of  lite- 


107 

rary  and  commercial  intercourse,  with  nations 
using  those  languages,  have  induced  the  Corpora- 
tion to  appoint  instructors  in  those  branches. 

Mr.  Charles  A.  Coulomb  has  been  appointed  to 
take  charge  of  the  French  department,  and  Mr. 
Jose  Antonio  Fizarro  of  the  Spanish. 

In  addition  to  the  preceding  appointments,  Mr, 
Charles  Upham  Shepard  has  been  elected  an  assis- 
tant Professor  in  the  Chemical  department,  the 
growing  importance  of  that  Professorship,  having 
satisfied  the  Corporation,  that  the  indefatigable 
exertions  of  an  individual,  would  be  inadequate  to 
the  labor  of  all  its  duties,  and  that  the  addition  of 
a  scientific  assistant,  would  greatly  promote  the 
interests  of  the  College. 

But  few  changes,  as  has  been  before  remarked, 
have  been  made  in  the  course  of  discipline,  since 
the  Presidency  of  Doctor  Day  commenced,  al- 
though the  regular  studies  of  the  University  have 
been  considerably  extended.  The  nature  and  va- 
riety of  these  alterations  can  be  ascertained,  from 
an  inspection  of  the  "  Course  of  Instruction,"  &c. 
prescribed  by  the  Faculty,  and  inserted  in  the  ap- 
pendix to  this  treatise. 

The  condition  of  the  College  is  so  fully  exhibit- 
ed in  the  statements  hereafter  given,  and  the  im- 
propriety of  discussing  the  merits  of  its  present 
officers  so  obvious,  that  this  sketch  of  Doctor  Day's 
Presidency  will  be  closed  by  a  reference  to  the 
only  attempt,  recently  made,  to  alter  essentially 
the  course  of  studios. 


168 

The  following  extract  from  the  minutes  of  the 
Corporation,  explains  fully  the  object. 

"  At  a  meeting  of  the  President  and  Felloxos  of  Yale   College, 
Sept.  llth,  1827,  the  following  resolution  was  passed  : 

"  That  his  Excellency  Governor  Tomlinson,  Rev. 
President  Day,  Rev.  Dr.  Chapin,  Hon.  Noyes  Dar- 
ling and  Rev.  Abel  McEwen,  be  a  committee  to 
inquire  into  the  expediency  of  so  altering  the  reg- 
ular course  of  instruction  in  this  College,  as  to 
leave  out  of  said  course  the  study  of  the  dead  lan- 
guages., substituting  other  studies  therefor;  and 
either  requiring  a  competent  knowledge  of  said 
languages,  as  a  condition  of  admittance  into  the 
College,  or  providing  instruction  in  the  same,  for 
such  as  shall  choose  to  study  them  after  admit- 
tance ;  and  that  the  said  committee  be  requested  to 
report  at  the  next  annual  meeting  of  this  corpora- 
tion. 

"  This  committee,  at  their  first  meeting  in  April, 
1828,  after  taking  into  consideration  the  case  re- 
ferred to  them,  requested  the  Faculty  of  the  Col- 
lege to  express  their  views  on  the  subject  of  the 
resolution. 

"  The  expediency  of  retaining  the  ancient  lan- 
guages, as  an  essential  part  of  our  course  of  in- 
struction, is  so  obviously  connected  with  the  object 
and  plan  of  education  in  the  College,  that  justice 
could  not  be  done  to  the  particular  subject  of  in- 
quiry in  the  resolution,  without  a  brief  statement 
of  the  nature  and  arrangement  of  the  various 
branches  of  the  whole  system.     The  report  of  the 


169 

Faculty  was  accordingly  made  out  in  two  parts ; 
one  containing  a  summary  view  of  the  plan  of 
education  in  the  College;  the  other,  an  inquiry 
into  the  expediency  of  insisting  on  the  study  of 
the  ancient  languages. 

"  This  report  was  read  to  the  committee,  at  their 
meeting  in  August.  The  committee  reported  their 
views  to  the  Corporation,  at  their  session  in  Sep- 
tember ;  who  voted  to  accept  the  report,  and  order- 
ed it  to  be  printed,  together  with  the  papers  read 
before  the  committee,  or  such  parts  of  them  as  the 
prudential  committee  and  the  Faculty  should 
judge  it  expedient  to  publish." 

The  elaborate  and  learned  reports,  made  in  com- 
pliance with  the  directions  of  the  Corporation,  and 
referred  to  in  the  preceding  transcript  of  their  pro- 
ceedings, have  generally  been  attributed  to  Presi- 
dent Day  and  Professor  Kingsley.  Their  success- 
ful vindication  of  the  course  of  instruction  pursu- 
ed at  the  College,  received,  with  few  exceptions, 
the  approbation  of  men  of  science,  and  the  lan- 
guages of  Greece  and  Rome  will  probably  not  soon 
be  banished  from  the  studies  of  the  University. 


22 


170 


CHAPTEU    X. 
TilK  THEOLOGICAL    DEPARTMENT. 

With  regard  to  tliis  branch  of  the  University, 
it  will  be  deemed  requisite  to  offer  but  few  remarks. 
The  College  having  been  founded  for  the  particu- 
lar advancement  of  the  interests  of  religion,  eccle- 
siastical literature  was  a  primary  object  with  those 
who  were  charged  with  its  government.  From  this 
circumstance,  many  incidents  strictly  pertaining  to 
a  Theological  department,  have  necessarily  been 
connected  with  the  academic  narrative. 

President  Daggett  was  the  first  Professor  of 
Sacred  Theology.  The  Rev.  Samuel  Wales,  Pres- 
ident Dwight,  and  Doctor  Eleazer  T.  Fitch,  have 
in  succession  occupied  that  chair.  Their  names 
have  already  been  mentioned  in  the  progress  of 
this  sketch,  and  with  the  exception  of  the  last 
named  gentleman,  who  now  occupies  that  station, 
their  characters  have  been  noted. 

The  Professorship  of  Ecclesiastical  History,  ap- 
pears to  have  terminated  on  the  decease  of  Presi- 
dent Stiles,  in  1795.  In  the  year  1822,  an  impor- 
tant addition  was  made  to  the  Theological  depart- 
ment of  the  University,  by  the  appointment  of  a 
Professor  of  Didactic  Theology.  The  Rev.  Na- 
thaniel W.  Taylor,  S.  T.  D.,  then  pastor  of  the 


171 

first  Congregational  Church  in  New  Haven,  was 
appointed  to  this  new  Professorship,  and  has  since 
that  period,  been  in  the  active  discharge  of  its 
duties.  This  important  branch  of  Theological 
learning,  had  its  origin  chiefly  in  the  liberality  of 
Mr.  Timothy  Dwight,  son  of  the  distinguished 
President  of  tliat  name,  who  contributed  five  thou- 
sand dollars  for  its  foundation.  The  Professorship, 
in  just  compliment  to  his  liberality,  and  to  the  Col- 
legiate services  of  his  father,  bears  the  name  of  the 
"  Dwight  Professorship  of  Didactic  Theology.''^ 

Mention  has  already  been  made,  of  Professors 
Goodrich  and  Gibbs ;  who,  although  strictly  be- 
longing to  the  Theological  department,  have  yet 
important  duties  to  perform,  in  the  classical  con- 
cerns of  the  University. 

The  number  of  Students  connected  with  this 
branch  of  Collegiate  instruction,  has  been  continu- 
ally increasing,  as  more  full  advantages  for  pro- 
fessional preparation  were  provided.  During  the 
last  year,  forty-nine  Theological  Students  were 
named  in  the  Catalogue.  The  other  particulars, 
in  relation  to  this  branch  of  the  University,  are  to 
be  found  in  the  general  circular,  copied  in  the 
appendix. 


172 


CHAPTER   XI. 
THE    LAW    DEPARTMENT. 

The  study  of  the  law,  as  a  branch  of  academic 
literature,  is  of  recent  origin  in  the  English  uni- 
versities. On  the  continent  of  Europe,  where  the 
civil  or  imperial  law  constitutes  the  basis  of  the 
codes  adopted  in  the  several  nations,  lectures  on 
that  department  of  science,  and  on  the  modifica- 
tions peculiar  to  different  countries,  have  long 
formed  an  essential  branch  of  polite  as  well  as 
professional  education. 

The  elaborate  learning,  the  systematic  precision, 
and  perhaps  the  more  despotic  character  of  the 
imperial  code,  for  many  ages,  gave  it  favor  and 
dignity  in  the  eyes  of  learned  men,  who  looked 
with  contempt  on  the  unwritten  constitution  and 
laws  of  England,  as  a  mass  of  absurd  and  undefined 
customs.  It  was  even  in  the  middle  of  the  last 
century,  deemed  impossible  to  reduce  their  unwieldy 
bulk  to  the  process  of  any  regular  analysis. 

Sir  William  Blackstone,  in  his  admirable  lec- 
tures, delivered  at  the  University  of  Oxford,  tri- 
umphantly refuted  these  absurd  opinions.  Since 
the  commencement  of  his  lectures,  in  1753,  the 
study  of  the  English  law,  both  in  the  mother  coun- 
try, and  in  nations  and  colonies  which  have  adopt- 


173 

ed,  or  derived  from  her  their  civil  pohty,  has  con- 
tinued to  gain  favor  as  a  branch  of  general  educa- 
tion. 

.  In  several  American  Colleges,  Professors  of  law 
have  been  appointed,  and  even,  in  some  of  our 
largest  cities,  popular  lectures  have  been  delivered 
to  auditors  of  all  professions. 

The  history  of  the  law  department  attached  to 
Yale  College  is  very  brief 

In  pursuance  of  the  scheme,  devised  during  the 
Presidency  of  Doctor  Dwight,  of  adding  instruc- 
tions in  professional  studies  to  academic  pursuits, 
the  Hon.  Elizur  Goodrich  was  appointed  Professor 
of  Law,  in  the  year  1801. 

Previous  to  his  appointment,  Mr.  Goodrich  had 
held  several  important  public  offices,  which  had 
gradually  withdrawn  him  from  practice  at  the  bar. 
His  private  office  did  not  therefore  afibrd  advanta- 
ges important  to  Students,  who  were  desirous  to 
qualify  themselves  in  the  forms  and  minute  details 
of  professional  business ;  and  as  the  funds  of  Col- 
lege would  not  allow  the  Corporation  to  give  an 
adequate  salary  to  their  Professor,  his  lectures  em- 
braced only  a  general  outline  of  the  theory  of  law. 
Indeed,  it  may  well  be  doubted,  whether  a  full 
course  of  law  lectures  can  be  profitably  blended 
with  classical  pursuits,  unless  the  time  for  Collegi- 
ate education  is  greatly  extended. 

Although  the  preparatory  qualifications  for  ad- 
mission have  been,  of  late  years,  very  considerably 
increased,  yet  branches  of  study,  of  a  purely  scion- 


174 

tific  character,  and  distinct  from  professional  stud- 
ies, have  also  multiplied,  and  are  fully  sufficient  to 
occupy  profitably  the  whole  time  of  the  Student. 

If,  according  to  Fortescue,  "  viginti  annorum 
lucubrationes,''''  are  necessary,  for  an  enlightened 
understanding  of  the  laws  of  England,  certainly, 
but  a  feeble  foundation  for  such  an  arduous  task 
can  be  laid,  amidst  the  engrossing  cares  of  elemen- 
tary and  classical  pursuits. 

Mr.  Goodrich  resigned  his  office  in  the  year 
1810,  having  honorably  discharged  the  duties  of 
his  Professorship,  although  of  necessity  confined 
within  very  limited  boundaries. 

In  the  year  1826,  the  Hon.  David  Daggett,  a 
Judge  of  the  Superior  Court  of- this  state,  and  well 
known  as  an  enlightened  jurist,  was  appointed  to 
the  vacant  chair.  In  addition  to  his  public  lec- 
tures. Judge  Daggett  established  a  private  school 
of  instruction,  for  those  who  were  pursuing  profes- 
sional studies,  with  a  view  to  admission  as  attorneys. 

Samuel  J.  Hitchcock,  Esq.  Counsellor  at  Law, 
was  associated  with  him  in  this  latter  branch,  and 
the  school  has  been  for  several  years  in  a  flourish- 
ing and  vigorous  condition. 

The  number  of  pupils  will  average  about  thirty. 

The  terms  of  tuition  and  other  particulars,  with 
regard  to  the  law  School,  are  noticed  in  the  ap- 
pendix. 


175 


CHAP  T  E  R    XI  I. 
THE    MEDICAL    DEPARTMENT. 

For  several  years  before  the  death  of  President 
Dwight,  his  ardent  desire  of  extending  the  range 
of  studies  pursued  at  the  College,  had  been  mani- 
fested on  all  proper  occasions. 

On  the  return  of  Professor  Silliman  from  Eu- 
rope, he  found  in  him,  not  only  a  zealous  and  effi- 
cient auxiliary  in  promoting  his  plans,  but  the 
establishment  of  the  Professorship  of  Chimistry, 
under  the  charge  of  that  gentleman,  who  combin- 
ed in  a  high  degree,  popular  manners  with  scien- 
tific attainments,  furnished  additional  motives,  by 
presenting  new  facilities,  for  founding  a  medical 
department. 

After  various  consultations  on  that  important 
subject,  the  corporation  of  Yale  College,  and  the 
Medical  Society  of  the  state  of  Connecticut, 
agreed  upon  certain  articles,  deemed  essential  to 
the  proper  organization  of  such  a  department,  and 
applied  jointly  to  the  legislature,  for  a  grant  of  cor- 
porate powers  to  carry  their  plan  into  effect. 

In  October,  1810,  an  act,  which  is  the  basis  of 
the  Medical  Institution  connected  with  the  College, 
was  passed  by  the  legislature.  It  is  entitled  "  an 
act  in  addition  to  and  alteration  of  an  act,  entitled 
'an  act  to  incorporate  the  Medical  Society.'*' 


176 

A  reference  to  the  date  and  title  of  this  act  is  only 
necessary,  as  during  the  May  session  of  the  legis- 
lature, in  1821,  the  public  statute  laws  of  the  state 
were  revised,  and  re-enacted  in  a  modified  form. 

The  following  sections  of  the  revised  statutes, 
under  the  title  of  Medical  Societies,  relate  to  the 
institution. 

"  Sect.  7.  The  Medical  Institution,  established  in 
Yale  College,  pursuant  to  an  agreement  between 
the  President  and  Fellows  of  the  Medical  Conven- 
tion, and  the  President  and  Fellows  of  Yale  Col- 
lege, is  hereby  declared  to  be  a  body  politic  and 
corporate,  to  be  known  and  acknowledged  by  the 
name  of  The  Medical  Institution  of  Yale  College. 

"Sect.  8.  The  institution  shall  include  a  complete 
course  of  medical  science,  to  consist  of  four  Pro- 
fessors ;  the  first,  of  chimistry  and  pharmacy  ;  the 
second,  of  the  theory  and  practice  of  medicine ;  the 
third,  of  anatomy,  surgery  and  midwifery;  the 
fourth,  of  materia  medica  and  botany.  And  there 
shall  be  a  joint  committee,  of  an  equal  number  of 
persons,  appointed  by  the  Medical  Convention  and 
the  Corporation  of  Yale  College,  who  shall  make 
a  nomination,  from  which  nomination  the  aforesaid 
Professors  shall  be  chosen  by  the  Corporation. 

"  Sect.  9.  A  cabinet  of  anatomical  preparations, 
including  all  things  usually  found  in  a  collection  of 
this  nature ;  and  a  collection  of  specimens  in  the 
materia  medica,  shall  be  provided;  and  a  botanical 
garden  shall  be  established,  as  soon  as  the  funds  of 
the  College  will  allows 


177 

"'  Sect.  10.  Every  medical  student  shall  be  re- 
quired to  attend  the  study  of  physic  and  surgery, 
with  some  medical  or  chirurgical  professor  or  prac- 
titioner, of  respectable  standing,  for  two  years,  pro- 
vided he  shall  have  been  graduated  at  some  College ; 
otherwise,  three  years ;  and  to  have  arrived  at  the 
age  of  twenty-one  years.  And  every  medical  stu- 
dent shall  attend  one  course  of  each  of  the  above 
systems  of  lectures,  under  the  Professors  of  the 
Medical  Institution  of  Yale  College,  or  some  other 
public  Medical  Institution,  previous  to  his  being 
admitted  to  an  examination  for  a  license ;  and  the 
course  of  lectures  he  is  required  to  attend,  may  be 
included  within  the  term  he  is  required  to  study. 
Provided  that  upon  the  recommendation  of  the 
County  Medical  Societies,  respectively,  one  merito- 
rious and  necessitous  person  from  each  county, 
shall  annually  be  allowed  the  privilege  of  attend- 
ing one  course  of  each  of  the  above  lectures,  gratis. 
And  if  any  of  the  County  Medical  Societies  should 
fail  to  recommend  as  above,  the  Medical  Conven- 
tion may  fill  up  the  vacancy.  It  shall  be  the  duty 
of  the  County  Medical  Societies  to  report  to  the 
Medical  Convention  of  the  state,  the  names  of  the 
persons  whom  they  shall  agree  to  recommend ;  and 
the  President  of  said  Convention  shall  transmit 
said  names,  together  with  such  as  the  Medical 
Convention  may  add,  agreeably  to  the  above  pro- 
vision, to  the  Medical  Professors  of  Yale  College. 
And  the  price  of  tlie  ticket,  for  the  whole  of  the 

23 


178 

above  oourso  ot    lectures,   shall    not    exceed    fifty 
dollars. 

"Sect.  11.  The  Committee  of  examination,  for 
the   practice  of  physic  and  surgery,  shall  consist 
of  the  Professors  of  the  Medical  Institution,  and 
an  e(|ual  number  of  the  members  of  the  Medical 
Societies,  appointed  by  the  Medical  Convention; 
and  the  President  of  the  Medical  Convention  shall, 
ex  officio,  be  President  of  the  Examining  Commit- 
tee, witli  a  vote  at  all  times,  and  a   casting  vote, 
when    the    votes    are    equal;   and    in    case   of  the 
absence  of  the  President,  a  President  pro  tempore 
shall  be  appointed,  by  the  members  of  the  Examin- 
ing Committee,  appointed  by  the  Medical  Conven- 
tion, with  the  same  powers ;  which   Committee,  or 
a  majority  of  them,  shall  possess  the  pow'er,  and 
they  only,  of  examining  for  a  license.     All  licenses 
to  practice   physic   or  surgery,  shall  be  signed  by 
the   President   of   the   Medical   Convention,    and 
countersigned  by  the  Committee,  or  a  majority  of 
them ;  and  the  fees  or  perquisites  for  admitting  or 
licensing  any  candidate  to  practise  physic  or  sur- 
gery, shall  not  exceed  four  dollars,  which  shall  be 
paid  to  the  Treasurer  of  the  Medical  Convention, 
for  the  benefit  of  the  same. 

Sect.  12.  Each  candidate  for  the  degree  of  Doc- 
tor of  Medicine,  shall  be  required  to  attend  two 
courses  of  the  above  systems  of  lectures,  at  the 
Medical  Institution  of  Yale  College,  or  at  some 
other  public  Medical  Instituti(m,  where  a  similar 
course  of  public   instruction  is  i)ursued;  which  de~ 


179 

grec,  upon  the  reconiniendcitioii  of  the  Conunittee 
of  Examination,  shall  he  conferred  by  the  Presi- 
dent of  the  College,  and  the  diploma  signed  by  him, 
and  countersigned  by  the  Committee,  or  the  major- 
ity of  them.  And  tlie  President  of  the  College 
shall  have  power  to  confer  such  honorary  tlegrees 
upon  those  persons  whom  the  Medical  Convention 
shall  recommend,  as  deserving  of  so  distinguished 
a  mark  of  respect. 

"  Sect.  13.  For  the  acconunodation,  both  of  the 
Students  and  of  the  Committee,  there  shall  be  but 
one  examination  a  year,  which  shall  be  immedi- 
ately after  the  close  of  the  courses  of  lectures. 
When  a  candidate  is  prevented,  by  sickness,  he 
may  be  examined  by  the  Medical  Professors  at 
College ;  and  such  examination,  with  their  certili= 
cate  thereof,  shall  entitle  him  to  the  same  privileges 
as  though  his  examination  had  been  by  said  Com- 
mittee. 

Sect.  14.  All  medical  Students,  who  shall  have 
attended  two  courses  of  lectures  in  the  Medical 
Institution,  shall  have  the  privilege  of  attending  all 
future  courses  gratis.  And  all  persons  licensed  to 
practice  physic  or  surgery,  agreeably  to  the  fore- 
going provisions,  shall,  of  course,  be  members  of 
the  Medical  Society  in  the  county  in  which  they 
reside." 

Since  the  enactment  of  this  general  statute,  an 
amendatory  act  has  passed,  whose  date  and  tenor 
can  be  ascertained  from  the  subjoined  co[>y 


180 

"  An  act  in  addition  to  and  alteration  of  an  act  en- 
titled '  An  act  to  incorporate  the  Connecticut 
Medical  Society,  and  to  establish  the  Medical 
Institution  of  Yale  College. 

Sec.  1.  Be  it  enacted  by  the  Senate  and  House 
of  Representatives  in  General  Assembly  convened, 
That  the  Institution  shall  include  a  complete 
course  of  instruction  in  the  several  departments  of 
medical  science,  to  consist  of  lectures  on  the  theory 
and  practice  of  medicine,  anatomy  and  physiology, 
surgery  and  midwifery,  materia  medica  and  botany, 
chemistry  and  pharmacy.  And  there  shall  be  a 
joint  committee  of  an  equal  number  of  persons 
appointed  by  the  President  and  Fellows  of  the 
Connecticut  Medical  Society,  and  the  Corporation 
of  Yale  College,  who  shall  make  a  nomination; 
from  which  nomination  the  Professors  of  the  afore- 
said Institution  shall  be  chosen  by  the  Corporation. 
The  number  of  Professors  in  the  Medical  Institu- 
tion, shall  not  be  less  than  four,  nor  more  than  six, 
and  the  price  of  each  Professor's  ticket  shall  not 
exceed  twelve  dollars  fifty  cents. 

"  Sec.  2.  Every  candidate  for  a  license  to  prac- 
tice medicine  and  surgery,  or  for  the  degree  of 
Doctor  of  Medicine,  v»'ho  shall  hereafter  commence 
the  study  of  the  medical  profession,  shall  exhibit  to 
the  Committee  of  Examination  satisfactory  evi-*- 
dence,  that  in  addition  to  a  good  English  education, 
he  had  acquired  a  competent  knowledge  of  the 
Latin  language,  and  some  acquaintance  with  the 
principles  of  Natural  Philosophy,  previous  to  the 


181 

commencement  of  his  professional  studies. — Every 
such  candidate,  provided  he  shall  have  graduated 
at  some  College,  shall  be  required  to  study  three 
years,  with  some  respectable  physician  or  surgeon  ; 
and  if  not  a  graduate,  four  years,  and  to  have 
attended  one  full  course  of  lectures  on  the  several 
branches  of  medical  science,  and  to  have  arrived 
at  the  age  of  twenty-one  years.  He  shall  also  be 
required  to  produce  evidence  of  good  moral  char- 
acter, and  of  his  having  pursued  professional  studies 
the  requisite  period  of  time,  and  of  his  having  at- 
tended the  requisite  courses  of  medical  lectures. 

"  Sec.  3.  That  the  10th  and  12th  sections*  of  an 
act  passed  May,  1825,  entitled  '  An  act  to  incor- 
porate the  Connecticut  Medical  Society,  and  to 
establish  the  Medical  Institution  of  Yale  College,' 
be  and  the  same  are  hereby  repealed. 

"  Approved.— June  4th,  1829." 

It  constitutes,  in  connexion  with  the  preceding- 
sections,  the  whole  public  code  in  relation  to  the 
Institution. 

In  September,  1812,  the  first  measures  were 
adopted  for  organizing  the  institution,  in  conform- 
ity with  the  provisions  of  the  charter,  and  the  fol- 
lowing gentlemen  were  appointed  Professors. 

iENEAs  MuNsoN,  M.  D.  Professor  of  Materia 
Medica  and  Botany.  ^^ 

Nathan  Smith,  M.  D.  Professor  of  the  Theory 
and  Practice  of  Surgery  and  Obstetrics. 

*  The  2tl  .ind  1th  sections  of  the  Iiuvs  arc  here  i)iintcil. 


lS-2 

Eli  Ix^H,  M.  D.  l*iofcssor  ol'  the  Theory  and 
Practice  of  Physic. 

Benjamin  Sillihian,  M.  D.  LL.  D.  Professor  of 
Chimistry,  Pharmacy,  Mineralogy  and  Geology. 

Jonathan  Knight,  M.  D.  Professor  of  Anatomy 
and  Physiology. 

The  first  course  of  lectures  began  in  November, 
1813,  under  the  embarrassments  always  attending 
a  new  establishment ;  but  in  this  instance  increas- 
ed by  a  deficiency  of  pecuniary  means,  and  the 
want  of  extensive  apparatus.  The  number  of  Stu- 
dents who  attended  the  first  course  was  thirty-six, 
which  has  since  gradually  increased,  as  the  advan- 
tages of  instruction  have  been  multiplied.  The 
average  number,  for  the  last  six  years,  has  been 
about  eighty,  and  the  largest  ninety-two. 

In  May,  1814,  the  legislature  made  a  donation 
to  the  Institution,  of  twenty  thousand  dollars,  being 
a  part  of  the  bonus  paid  by  the  Phoenix  Bank,  as  a 
consideration  for  the  grant  of  their  charter. 

This  accession  to  their  funds,  enabled  the  Cor- 
poration to  increase  greatly  the  fiicilities  for  in- 
struction ;  and  particularly  to  purchase  an  exten- 
sive stone  building,  recently  crectetl  by  the  Hon. 
James  Hillhouse,  together  with  a  tract  of  land 
adjoining,  and  convert  the  same  into  a  Medical 
College  and  Botanical  Garden. 

Thcsc  premises  are  situated  on  Grove  street,  at 
a  short  distance  from  the  principal  buildings  of  the 
University, 


183 

Doctor  Munson,  at  the  time  of  his  ai)i)oiiitmeiit, 
had  arrived  at  a  period  of  hfe,  when  the  infirmities 
of  advanced  age,  did  not  allow  him  to  engage  in 
the  active  duties  of  an  important  Professorship. 
His  election  to  that  station  was  the  filial  offering 
of  enlightened  gentlemen,  who  regarded  him  with 
just  pride  as  their  professional  father.  Probahly 
the  medical  history  of  the  state  cannot  present  a 
life  of  more  devoted  zeal  and  extensive  usefulness. 
His  enlightened  views,  led  him  early  to  anticipate 
the  brighter  destiny  that  awaited  the  profession ; 
and  he  lived  to  behold  the  sciences  of  chimistry, 
botany  and  mineralogy,  which  he  had  cherished  as 
a  nursing  father  in  their  infancy,  attain  to  matu- 
rity of  vigor  and  strength. 

This  excellent  and  learned  man  died  on  the  16th 
day  of  June,  1826,  aged  ninety-two  years. 

An  interesting  sketch  of  his  life  and  character  is 
inserted  in  Thacher's  Medical  Biography. 

From  the  commencement  of  the  medical  lec- 
tures, in  1813,  till  the  year  1829,  Doctor  Nathan 
Smith  held  one  of  the  most  important  Professor- 
ships. His  long  experience,  as  a  lecturer  and 
practitioner,  was  of  essential  importance  in  organi- 
zing the  department;  and  his  distinguished  reputa- 
tion created  confidence  in  the  establishment.  His 
efficient  services  were  continued  until  the  26th 
January,  1829,  when  he  fell  a  victim  to  a  paralytic 
attack  in  the  sixty-seventh  year  of  his  age. 

On  that  occasion.  Professor  Knight  pronoiuiced 
an  interest inii:  oiilojiinm    on    the  cliarjirtcr   ol    his 


184 

deceased  friend,  which   was   pubUshed  at  the  re- 
quest of  the  medical  class. 

Doctor  Smith  was  bom  at  Rehoboth,  Pdassachu- 
setts,  on  the  30th  September,  1762,  but  removed  at 
an  early  age  with  his  parents,  to  Windsor  county 
Vermont. 

His  youthful  years  were  spent  in  the  toilsome 
occupations,  and  exposed  to  the  dangers  of  a  new 
and  frontier  settlement.  At  the  age  of  twenty-four 
years,  he  was  accidentally  present  at  the  perform- 
ance of  a  surgical  operation.  This  event  deter- 
mined the  inclination  of  his  mind,  and  the  bent  of 
his  genius.  By  indefatigable  efforts,  he  surmount- 
ed the  defects  of  early  education,  and  under  the 
instruction  of  Doctor  Josiah  Goodhue,  of  Putney, 
Vermont,  a  celebrated  surgeon  of  that  age,  pursu- 
ed the  study  of  physic  and  surgery  with  uncommon 
ardor.  Having  completed  his  preparatory  studies. 
Doctor  Smith  commenced  his  professional  duties  at 
Cornish,  New  Hampshire.  After  practicing  for 
two  or  three  years,  he  visited  Harvard  University, 
where  he  attended  several  courses  of  lectures,  on 
medicine,  surgery,  natural  philosophy,  &c.  and 
having  received  the  degree  of  Bachelor  of  Medi- 
cine, returned  to  Cornish. 

His  reputation  soon  extended,  and  his  efforts 
were  directed  with  untiring  zeal  to  elevate  the 
character  and  dignity  of  a  profession,  of  which  he 
had  already  become  an  ornament.  With  that  view 
he  projected  the  plan  of  a  Medical  Institution  to 
be  connected  with   Dartmouth  College,  and  upon 


185 

its  establishment  was  appointed  Professor  of  Medi- 
cine. 

To  qualify  himself  more  fully  for  the  responsible 
duties  of  his  station,  he  subsequently  visited  Great 
Britain,  where  he  spent  a  year,  partly  in  attendance 
on  the  lectures  of  the  celebrated  Medical  School  of 
Edinburgh,  and  partly  in  witnessing  the  practice 
of  the  hospitals  of  London. 

On  his  return,  his  professional  reputation  and 
practice  rapidly  advanced,  and  the  School  of  Han- 
over became  justly  distinguished  among  the  best 
Medical  institutions  of  the  country. 

In  the  autumn  of  1813  he  accepted  the  professor- 
ship of  the  Theory  and  Practice  of  Physic  and  Sur- 
gery, in  the  Medical  Institution  of  Yale  College, 
and  discharged  his  official  duties  with  eminent  zeal 
and  ability.  He  also  delivered,  after  his  removal 
to  New  Haven,  "  a  course  of  lectures  on  the  same 
branches  at  Dartmouth  College ;  one  at  the  Ver- 
mont University,  in  Burlington  ;  and  two  at  the 
Medical  Institution  of  Brunswick  College,  in 
Maine." 

His  character,  in  all  the  variety  and  diversity  of 
its  elements,  is  happily  drawn  by  his  eulogist. 
Doctor  Knight,  to  whom  the  writer  is  indebted  for 
the  principal  facts  embraced  in  this  brief  notice. 
So  great  were  his  services  to  his  profession,  and  so 
fully  acknowledged,  that  his  Eulogist  does  not  hes- 
itate to  declare,  that  "  the  assertion,  that  he  has 
done  more  for  the  improvement  of  Physic  and  Sur- 

24 


186 

gery  in  New  England,  than  any  other  man,  will, 
by  no  one,  be  deemed  invidious." 

"  His  acquaintance"  (says  Doctor  Knight)  "  was 
not  only  extensive,  but  reached  to  every  rank  in 
society.  The  poor  knew  him  as  their  benefactor  ; 
the  sick,  as  their  skilful,  attentive  physician ;  the 
rich  were  honored  by  his  society ;  and  the  wise  and 
the  good  received  him  as  their  friend  and  compan- 
ion." 

In  September,  1829,  Thomas  Hubbard,  M.  D. 
an  experienced  practitioner  in  Windham  County, 
Connecticut ;  and  William  Tully,  M.  D.  of  Albany, 
advantageously  known  as  a  Professor  in  the  Ver- 
mont Academy  of  Medicine,  were  appointed  to 
Professorships. 

In  addition  to  the  regular  Professorships,  Timo- 
thy P.  Beers,  M.  D.  the  Health  Officer  of  New 
Haven,  and  a  physician  of  great  experience  in  the 
department  assigned  to  him,  has  been  invited  to  de- 
liver a  course  of  lectures  on  Obstetrics. 

The  corps  of  instructors  throughout  is  considered 
by  competent  judges  as  arranged  with  great  felicity, 
both  in  regard  to  literary  and  professional  talents. 

A  State  Hospital,  connected  with  the  Institution, 
is  to  be  erected  the  ensuing  season ;  for  which  pur- 
pose a  beautiful  tract  of  ground,  situated  on  the 
southern  extremity  of  the  city,  has  been  purchased. 
This  will  afford  a  valuable  practical  school  for  the 
students. 

By  the  regulations  of  Yale  College,  students  in 
the  Medical  department  can  attend  the  classical 


187 

lectures  of  the  University,  and  have  access  to  the 
Library  on  the  same  terms  as  the  Junior  and  Senior 
classes.  A  convenient  opportunity  of  thus  supplying 
the  defects  of  early  education,  cannot  be  deemed  an 
unimportant  advantage.  Indeed  the  elevation  of 
the  Medical  profession,  in  general  literature,  which 
drew  from  Governor  Clinton,  in  a  message  to  the 
New  York  Legislature,  the  high  eulogium,  that 
they  were  "  the  missionaries  of  science,"  renders  it 
necessary,  that  those  who  are  ambitious  of  distinc- 
tion should  add  to  approved  theoretical  knowledge 
and  pmctical  skill,  the  advantages  of  extensive 
learning. 

Although  quackery  in  Medicine,  like  specious 
systems  in  all  departments  of  business,  will  un- 
doubtedly always  receive  support  and  encourage- 
ment from  credulity  and  ignorance,  yet  the  true 
dignity  of  the  profession  will  keep  pace  with  the 
growing  intelligence  of  the  world,  and  the  advance 
of  society  in  valuable  knowledge.  Probably  the 
observation  made  by  Johnson,  on  the  poor  success 
that  attended  the  Medical  efforts  of  Akenside,  the 
poet,  would  have  to  be  considerably  qualified,  to 
render  it  applicable  to  the  present  condition  of  the 
profession.  He  says,  "  a  physician  in  a  great  city 
seems  to  be  the  mere  plaything  of  fortune ;  his  de- 
gree of  reputation  is  for  the  most  part,  totally  cas- 
ual; they  that  employ  him  know  not  his  excellence; 
they  that  reject  him  know  not  his  deficicnce.  By 
an  acute  observer,  who  had  looked  on  the  transac- 
tions of  the  Medical   world  for  half  a  century,  a 


188 

very  curious  book  might  be  written  on  the  "  fortune 
of  physicians."* 

Tliis  evil,  so  vividly  described,  has  been  in  a  great 
measure  obviated  by  the  successful  exertions  of 
modern  physicians  to  elevate  the  profession  in  a 
knowledge  of  practical  and  popular  branches ; 
which,  being  more  familiar  to  the  comprehension  of 
mankind  than  the  arcana  of  medicine,  are  to  a 
great  extent,  adopted  as  guides  of  judgment  as  to 
the  qualifications  of  professors. 

The  circular,  issued  by  the  Faculty,  and  copied 
in  the  Appendix,  presents  a  brief  statement  of  the 
course  of  Medical  instruction  and  expenses  at  Yale 
College. 

*  Lives  of  Poets,  vol.  2,  p.  428. 


'# 


189 


CHAPTER     XIII. 

Commencement  Celebrations,  and  award  of  Literary  Honors. 

Following  the  example  of  a  venerable  guide,  it 
is  proper  to  make  a  few  remarks  on  the  manner  of 
celebrating  the  great  academic  festival,  called 
Commencement. 

President  Clap  gives  the  following  account  of  its 
celebration  during  the  middle  of  the  last  century. 

"  The  public  Commencement  is  ordinarily  on  the 
second  Wednesday  in  September  annually  :  at 
which  there  is  a  large  assembly,  consisting  of  the 
President  and  Fellows,  a  great  number  of  Minis- 
ters, and  other  learned  and  superior  gentlemen. 
The  President  begins  the  solemnity  with  prayer, 
one  of  the  candidates  for  the  first  degree  makes  a 
salutatory  oration  to  the  Governor  and  Council,  the 
Officers  of  College,  and  the  whole  assembly :  the 
others  give  a  specimen  of  their  learning,  by  disput- 
ing syllogistically  on  the  questions  printed  in  their 
theses ;  which  arc  then  distributed.  The  like  is 
done  in  the  afternoon  by  the  candidates  for  the  de- 
gree of  Master  of  Arts.  Then  the  President,  with 
the  consent  of  the  Fellows,  gives  them  their  degrees, 
three  at  a  time,  in  this  form  : 

"  Pro  auctoritatc  mihi  commissa,  admitto  vos  ad 
Primum  Gradum  in  artibus ;  pro  more  Acadcmi- 


190 

arum  in  Anglia.*  Vobisque  tratlo  hunc  Librum, 
una  cum  potestate  publico  prselengcndi,  quoties- 
cunque  ad  isthoc  munus  evocati  fueritis  :  cujus,  ba^c 
instrumenta,t  mcmbrana  scripta,  testimonio  sint. 

"  The  Hke  form  is  used  for  the  Masters,  only  in- 
stead of  Primum.,  it  is  Secundum, :  and  instead  of 
pr^Blegendi^  it  is  projitendi ;  and  sometimes,  instead 
of  Primum,  the  President  says,  Gradum  Bacca- 
laureatus  ;  and  instead  of  Secundum,  he  says, 
Gradum  Magistralem,. 

"  Then  one  of  the  Masters  makes  a  Valedictory 
Oration :  and  the  President  concludes  the  whole 
solemnity  with  a  prayer." 

In  several  particulars  these  ceremonies  have  been 
altered  in  modern  times.  The  Valedictory  oration, 
(as  well  as  the  Salutatory)  is  delivered  by  a  candi- 
date for  the  Bachelor's  degree,  and  syllogistic  dis- 
putes, "  on  questions  printed  in  theses,"  are  discon- 
tinued. 

Orations  in  English  and  occasionally  poems,  by 
candidates,  as  well  for  the  Master's  as  Bachelor's 
degree,  constitute  the  principal  exercises,  but  are 
blended  with  others  which  will  be  hereafter  noticed. 

At  the  close  of  the  regular  academic  proceedings, 
honorary  degrees  in  Divinity,  Law,  and  Medicine, 
are  conferred.  To  the  credit  of  the  Institution  it 
may  be  remarked,  that  these  degrees  have,  for 
many  years  past,  been  bestowed  with  a  very  sparing 
hand. 

*  Now — pro  more  hujusce  academice. 

i  The  President  delivers  to  each  of  them  a  Diploma, 


191 

The  multitude  of  collegiate  Seminaries,  which 
have  recently  sprung  up  in  our  country,  have  un- 
fortunately scattered  literary  diplomas  so  profusely, 
that  the  highest  degrees  can  hardly  be  consid- 
ered even  as  prima  facie  evidence,  either  of  literary 
or  moral  worth.  Indeed,  Divinity  and  Law  seem 
to  be  destined  to  the  fate  that  has  already  befallen 
Physic ;  in  which  last  profession,  every  unfledged 
licentiate  is  dubbed  a  doctor,  and  as  a  matter  of 
course  adds  M.  D.  to  a  name,  that,  perhaps,  but  the 
day  before,  had  passed  the  boundary  of  legal  in- 
fancy. 

The  degree  of  Doctor  of  Laws  is  of  late  in  the 
most  imminent  peril,  as  but  few  aspirants  for  liter- 
ary honors,  (not  belonging  to  those  professions,) 
would  feel  perfectly  at  home,  in  being  seated  in  the 
high  places  of  divinity  and  physic. 

Hence  it  is,  that  a  profession,  which  can  rarely 
address  any  of  its  most  distinguished  members  by 
higher  titles  than  Judge  and  Esquire,  has  been  as- 
tonished by  the  sudden  growth  of  an  academic  corps 
of  clergymen,  physicians,  charitable  donors,  and 
gentlemen  without  any  definite  character,  who  have 
strolled  accidentally  into  the  fields  of  science,  all 
bearing  collegiate  credentials  that  they  are  Doc- 
tors of  Laics.  In  allusion  to  their  qualifications, 
the  lawyer  may  derive  an  analogous  illustration 
from  Lord  Coke.  "  Every  gentleman,"  (says  the 
learned  Commentator,)  is  an  Esquire,  but  every 
Esquire  is  not  a  gentleman  ;"  or,  perhaps,  Sir 
Thomas  Smith's  account  of  the  perversion  of  the 
term,  gentleman.,  may  be  more  a[)positc. 


192 

"  As  for  gentlemen,  they  be  made  good  cheap  in 
this  kingdom ;  for  whosoever  studicth  the  laws  of 
the  realm,  who  studicth  in  the  Universities,  who 
professeth  liberal  sciences,  and,  (to  be  short,)  who 
can  live  idly,  and  without  manual  labor,  and  will 
bear  the  port,  charge,  and  countenance  of  a  gentle- 
man, he  shall  be  called  master,  and  shall  be  taken 
for  a  gentleman." 

But  American  Colleges  should  not  alone  bear 
the  reproach  of  conferring  academic  degrees,  as  the 
rewards  of  influence  and  patronage,  rather  than  of 
merit.  Scotland,  with  high  and  undoubted  claims 
to  literary  distinction,  long  since  sacrificed  the  dig- 
nity of  science  to  this  low  and  contemptible  obse- 
quiousness. Doctor  Johnson,  in  a  sketch  of  the  life 
of  the  distinguished  Doctor  Isaac  Watts,  makes  a 
remark  which  fully  accords  with  the  writer's  views. 

"  In  1728,  he,"  (the  Rev.  Isaac  Watts,)  "  re- 
ceived from  Edinburgh  and  Aberdeen  an  unsolicit- 
ed diploma,  by  which  he  became  a  Doctor  of  Di- 
vinity. Academical  honors  would  have  more  value 
if  they  were  always  bestowed  with  equal  judg- 
ment."* 

In  reference  to  the  practice  of  the  distinguished 
Universities  of  England,  a  comment  similar  in 
character  is  made  by  Pope.  It  had  been  proposed 
at  Oxford  to  bestow  the  degree  of  L.  L.  D.  on  Pope, 
whose  reputation  was  confined  chiefly  to  poetry; 
and  the  degree  of  D,  D.  on  his  learned  friend, 
Warburton,  who  was  truly  eminent  as  a  divine. 

'  Lives  ot  Poets,  vol.  2,  p.  346. 


193 

Some  doubts,  and  consequent  embarrassments,  arose 
in  respect  to  Warburton.     Pope,  in  a  letter  to  his 

friend  Warburton,  thus  forcibly  expresses  his  feel- 
ings. 

"  Aug.  12,  1741.  I  have  received  some  chagrin 
at  the  delay  of  your  degree  at  Oxford.  As  for 
mine,  I  will  die  before  I  receive  one,  in  an  art  I 
am  ignorant  of,  at  a  place  where  there  remains 
any  scruple  of  bestowing  one  on  you,  in  a  science 
of  which  you  are  so  great  a  master.  In  short,  I 
will  be  doctored  with  you,  or  not  at  all.  lam  sure, 
wherever  honor  is  not  conferred  on  the  deserving, 
there  can  he  none  given  to  the  undeserving ;  no 
more  from  the  hands  of  priests,  than  of  princes."* 

But,  dismissing  the  subject  of  Doctorates,  it  may 
be  observed,  as  a  singular  fact,  (whether  arising 
from  professional  modesty,  or  pride,  or  good  sense, 
or  want  of  opportunity  to  establish  an  usage,  we 
will  not  inquire,)  that  no  regularly  educated  law- 
yer in  this  country  is  ever  familiarly  addressed  by 
a  collegiate  title  as  Doctor. 

Although  it  is  not  the  design  of  the  writer  to  in- 
dulge in  criticism,  or  to  give  any  other  than  a  nar- 
rative character  to  his  essay,  a  few  remarks  in  allu- 
sion to  the  public  exercises  of  the  College,  may, 
perhaps,  be  allowed,  as  a  pardonable  exception  to 
his  general  plan.  Quarterly  and  Commencement 
exhibitions  are  justly  regarded  as  proper  means  of 
exciting  academic  ambition,  creating  popular  in- 

*  Swift's  Letters,  p.  247. 

25 


194 

terest  for  the  pursuits  of  learning,  iuul  ditTusing  a 
refined  taste  for  intellectual  amusement. 

The  usages  of  our  country  have  rendered  the 
annual  Commencements  of  Colleges,  fit  and  inter- 
esting occasions  for  social  meetings  of  the  fashion- 
able and  learned  of  the  land ;  and  so  elevated  has 
become  the  character  of  these  assemblages,  that 
gentlemen  the  most  distinguished  in  professional 
rank,  and  statesmen  of  the  most  commanding  influ- 
ence, receive  as  compHnicnts,  invitations  to  assist 
in  collegiate  performances. 

The  dullness  of  mere  scholastic  discussions  has, 
in  consequence  of  the  growing  attractions  of  Com- 
mencement exercises,  gradually  yielded  to  compo- 
sitions of  more  popular  character.  But  it  may  be 
a  matter,  not  of  mere  expediency,  but  of  grave  and 
serious  import,  to  ascertain  whether  the  dignity  of 
science,  the  just  pretensions  of  literature  and  even 
cardinal  interests,  have  not,  in  some  instances,  been 
sacrificed  to  the  desire  of  general  amusement. 

The  exercises  of  Commencement  have  varied  with 
the  progressive  advancement  of  the  College ;  but, 
in  the  judgment  of  the  writer,  some  branches  have 
been  engrafted,  which  are  in  all  respects  objection- 
able. 

When  Theological  studies  were  almost  the  ex- 
clusive occupations  of  pupils,  the  discussion  of  The- 
ses in  Latin  and  Greek,  and  even  Hebrew,  was 
pardonable,  as  the  audience  was  principally  com- 
posed of  learned  clergymen;  but  when  laymen  were 
attracted  to  the  College  by  the  extension  of  its  sys- 


195 

» 

tcm,  and  especially  when  ladies  graced  by  their 
presence  those  academic  festivals,  it  comported 
better  with  iwUtc  literature  to  speak  in  a  language 
intelligible  to  all. 

Orations  in  English,  formal  disputations  on  in- 
teresting questions  of  science,  and  more  familiar 
discussions  called  colloquies,  on  the  same  subjects, 
have  gradually  expelled  the  defence  of  Theses  and 
syllogistic  encounters ;  and  the  students,  instead  of 
expending  their  energies  "  in  bello  grammatticali," 
(to  use  an  expression  of  Lord  Coke,)  are  more 
agreeably  and  profitably  employed  in  examinations 
of  practical  subjects. 

But  with  the  dispute  and  colloquy  the  dialogue 
also  made  its  appearance ;  and  instead  of  occupying, 
as  in  former  times,  three  formal  rostra^  projecting 
from  the  centres  of  the  Chapel  galleries,  and  carry- 
ing on  a  logical  warfare  of  outposts,  the  students 
were  provided  with  a  regular  stage. 

The  facilities  afforded  by  this  new  arrangement 
soon  changed  the  character  of  the  primitive  dia- 
logue, and  scientific  models,  such  as  Cicero  has  fur- 
nished in  his  works,  "  De  Oratorc''^  and  "  De  Nii- 
ttira  Dcorum,'''  gave  way  to  ridiculous  and  timid 
imitations  of  the  regular  drama. 

It  is  not  the  purpose  of  the  writer  to  speak  of  the 
moral  or  intellectual  eflect  of  theatrical  represen- 
lations,  but  under  the  full  conviction  that  they  can- 
not form  a  valuable  api)endage  of  collegiate  exer- 
cises, nor  add  to  the  reputation  of  a  literary  semin- 
•ary^  he  may  be  permitted  to  hope  that  they  will 


19.6 

• 

eventually  be  excluded  from  the  "Schemes"  af  Yale 
College,  as  they  have  already  from  those  of  most  of 
the  American  Seminaries. 

Dramatic  compositions  require  not  only  the  high- 
est order  of  intellect,  but  talents  of  a  peculiar  char- 
acter. Stage  effect,  as  well  as  justness  of  senti- 
ment and  correctness  of  personification  must  be 
regarded,  and  the  numerous  failures  of  distinguished 
writers  should  furnish  a  monitory  lesson  to  others. 

Milton,  Johnson,  Addison,  Young,  Thompson, 
and  Byron,  have  all  failed  as  writers  of  dramas, 
fitted  for  theatrical  representations.  It  need  hard- 
ly be  added,  that,  in  the  entire  absence  of  scenery, 
unsupported  by  female  actors,  and  on  a  stage  sur- 
rounded by  a  venerable  circle  of  clergymen  and 
senators,  every  effort  for  dramatic  display,  at  Com- 
mencement, must  prove  abortive.  Cocked  hats, 
laced  coats,  the  fiery  passions  of  war,  and  the  vo- 
luptuous whisperings  of  love,  but  ill  assort  with  such 
accompaniments. 

It  is  true  the  actors  have  great  inducements  to 
regard  the  "  special  observance"  given  by  Hamlet, 
in  his  charge  to  the  players,  "  that  you  o'erstep  not 
the  modesty  of  nature,"  for  a  slight  breach  of  the 
rule  in  action^  would  bring  them  on  the  toes  of 
some  reverend  doctor  or  conscript  father. 

But  levity  apart,  it  is  seriously  believed,  that  ex- 
ercises, which  do  not  usually  equal  the  most  indif- 
ferent performances  of  the  theatre,  arc  not  the  best 
adapted  to  gratify  enlightened  audiences,  or  exhibit 
the  proficiency  of  students  in  literary  attainments 


197 

The  cultivation  of  dramatic  talent  is  a  very  unim- 
portant branch  of  general  education ;  and  as  the 
whole  system  is  of  modern  coinage,  and  is  not  com- 
mended to  our  regard,  even  by  the  "  venerabilis 
^riigo'''  of  antiquity,  it  is  hoped  it  may  soon  give 
place  to  more  appropriate  academic  exercises. 


108 


CHAPTER   XIV. 

Facilities  and  Advantages  for  Literary  Pursuits  at  Yale  College, 
arising  from  Local  Situation  and  other  Circumstances. 

Among  facilities  for  literary  pursuits,  many  con- 
siderations will  suggest  themselves  to  the  mind  of 
an  inquirer,  and  physical  as  well  as  moral  circum- 
stances must  be  fairly  exhibited,  as  guides  of  de- 
cision. 

New  Haven  is  agreeably  situated  at  the  head  of 
a  handsome  bay,  putting  up  about  four  miles  from 
Long  Island  Sound.  It  is  in  41°,  18'  N.  latitude; 
72°,  58'  W.  longitude  ;  and  distant  76  miles  N.  E. 
from  New  York,  34  miles  S.  S.  W.  from  Hartford. 
134  S.  W.  from  Boston,  and  107  S.  S.  E.  from  Alba- 
ny. Daily  stage  coaches  arrive  from,  and  depart 
to,  those  several  places,  and  sloops  and  steam  boats 
ply  daily  between  New  Haven  and  New  York. 

In  addition  to  ordinary  channels  of  communica- 
tion, a  canal  has  been,  for  some  time,  in  operation, 
extending  from  New  Haven  to  the  southern  part  of 
Massachusetts,  and  which  will  probably  be  soon 
completed  to  Northampton. 

New  Haven  is  one  of  the  semi  capitals  of  the 
State,  and  divides  with  Hartford  the  Legislative 
Sessions. 


199 

The  city  occupies  a  large  plain,  and  was  origin- 
ally divided  into  nine  squares,  of  sixty  rods  each, 
including  streets.  These  squares  have  subsequent- 
ty  been  subdivided  by  parallel  crossing  streets. 

The  centre  square  was  appropriated  by  the 
grantees,  for  public  purposes,  and  is  known  by  the 
appellation  of  the  Green.  It  is  a  beautiful  prome- 
nade, and  has  been  embellished  by  rows  of  fine  elms, 
gravel  walks,  and  an  external  railing.  Several  of 
the  public  buildings,  which  are  elegant  and  ex- 
pensive in  their  style  of  architecture,  are  situated 
on  this  square.  A  new  State  House,  constructed 
of  stone  and  marble  under  the  superintendence  of 
Mr.  Ithiel  Town,  an  architect  of  cultivated  taste 
and  talents,  forms  a  prominent  ornament  of  the 
city.  It  is  placed  on  the  western  side  of  the  square, 
and  presents  one  of  the  best  copies  of  ancient  models, 
which  our  country  affords,  and  is  worthy  of  an 
artist  who  has  evinced  his  fondness  for  his  profes- 
sion by  visiting  the  best  schools  of  Europe,  to  per- 
fect himself  in  his  art. 

The  principal  edifices  of  Yale  College  face  the 
western  boundary  of  the  Green,  and  present  an  im- 
posing front,  including  passage  ways,  of  about  six 
hundred  feet. 

The  extensive  lawn  spread  out  in  front  of  the 
Colleges,  it  is  presumed,  must  contribute  as  much 
to  health,  as  it  certainly  does  to  beauty  of  prospect. 

The  College  buildings  are  chiefly  constructed  of 
brick,  and  consist  of  four  principal  edifices,  occu- 
))ied  as  studies   and  dormitories   by  the  students; 


200 

a  Chapel,  lor  religious  worship  and  ordinary  public 
exhibitions  ;  a  Lyceum  ;  an  Athene um  ;  a  Chimi- 
cal  Laboratory  ;  an  extensive  stone  Dining  Hall, 
containing  also,  in  the  upper  story,  apartments  for 
the  Mineralogical  Cabinet ;  a  separate  Dining 
Hall,  for  Theological  Students  ;  a  large  stone 
building,  occupied  by  the  Medical  Department ;  a 
dwelling  house,  for  the  President;  together  with 
wood  houses  and  other  appurtenances  usually  at- 
tached to  so  extensive  an  establishment. 

The  buildings  are  constructed  in  a  plain  substan- 
tial manner,  and  with  a  view  throughout  to  con- 
venience and  economy,  rather  than  architectural 
embellishment.  Had  circumstances  permitted  the 
adoption  of  a  more  expensive  style,  it  may  well  be 
doubted,  whether  just  taste  would  have  been  better 
gratified ;  as  the  simplicity  of  the  buildings  comports 
with  their  object,  and  their  extent  gives  enough  of 
magnificence,  while  the  richness  of  the  surrounding 
scenery  forms  a  higher  ornament  than  art  could 
have  supplied. 

The  region  in  the  vicinity  of  New  Haven  is  in- 
teresting, both  in  its  mineralogical  and  botanical 
characters.  The  kindness  of  scientific  friends  has 
enabled  the  writer  to  present,  in  the  Appendix, 
valuable  sketches  on  these  subjects. 

The  climate  and  position  of  the  city,  have  always 
been  favorable  to  health ;  and  for  many  years  it 
has  not  been  subject  to  any  violent  epidemic  dis- 
eases. Registers  of  health  have  not  been  kept  with 
the  accuracy  and  precision  that  might  have  been 


201 

expected  in  a  place  which  has  long  possessed  niaiiv 
scientific  medical  gentlemen.  Probably  this  may 
arise  from  a  defect  in  municipal  regulations,  as 
gentlemen  do  not  often  persevere  in  laborious  ser- 
vices to  the  public,  without,  at  least,  the  encour- 
agement of  official  countenance  and  support. 

So  far  as  materials  could  be  procured  in  relation 
to  the  subject,  they  have  been  condensed,  and  are 
briefly  noted  in  the  Appendix. 

It  may  be  remarked,  as  a  pleasing  incident  to  a 
valuable  public  improvement,  that  the  passage  of 
the  Canal  through  the  city,  by  occupying  the  bed 
of  a  stagnant  and  offensive  creek,  has  probably 
greatly  contributed  to  the  health  of  the  city,  by 
substituting  a  sheet  of  pure  and  wholesome  water, 
for  an  oflensive  and  dangerous  nuisance. 

The  scenery  of  New  Haven,  although  subordin- 
ate to  many  weightier  considerations,  should  not  be 
disregarded  in  estimating  its  advantages  as  a  place 
of  education.  It  is  not  a  fanciful  idea  merely,  that 
external  objects  operate  on  the  mind,  and  quicken 
or  deaden  its  impulses,  by  their  silent  influence.  If 
the  recollection  of  the  wild  mountain  scenery  of 
Switzerland  can  so  affect  its  absent  soldiery,  as  to 
unstring  their  iron  nerves  and  produce  languish- 
ment  and  disease,  certainly  the  cause  of  such  eflccts 
is  not  unworthy  the  attention  of  practical  philoso- 
phy. Without  any  very  accurate  analysis  of  our 
feelings,  or  division  o*f  our  ideas,  into  those  arising 
from  sensation  or  reflection,  it  cannot  be  doubted 
that  they  receive  a  sombre  or  a  brilliant  tinge  from 

2(» 


the  irufluence  of  external  objects  and  scenery.  It  is 
not  extravagant  praise  to  say.  that  New  Haven, 
enclosed  bv  an  amphitheatre  of  precipitous  and 
lofty  mountains,  at  the  head  of  a  beautiful  bay. 
spread  out  amidst  gardens  and  shady  walks,  in 
simplicity,  perfect  neatness,  and  unostentatious 
elegance,  presents  one  of  the  most  attractive  places 
for  Uterary  pursuits  that  the  country  affords.  It 
reahzes  to  the  student  all  the  quiet  beauties  and 
charming  retirement  which  the  school  of  Plato  en- 
joyed :  *•  In  sacred  Academus'  shady  walks." 

But  there  are  higher  and  more  important  con^ 
siderations  to  be  regarded  than  beauty  of  scenery, 
convenience  of  edifices,  facility  of  access,  interesting 
localities,  or  even  salubrity  of  chmate.  in  selecting 
a  place  of  education.  Moral  and  literary  associa- 
tions, of  an  elevated  or  debased  character,  are  the 
natural  fruits  of  institutions  of  learning,  and  per- 
haps fiirnish  the  best  tests  of  faults  or  excellence  in 
their  government.  Influence  that  is  felt  through  a 
nation,  cannot  be  inactive  and  torpid  at  the  place 
of  its  birth ;  and  a  healthy  and  sound  Seminary 
ought  to  exhibit  in  its  domestic  fields,  some  eviden- 
ces of  its  skillfiil  culture. 

Yale  College  need  not  shrink  from  this  test,  for 
there  is  not  an  useful  occupation,  or  a  grade  of  so- 
ciety, in  her  vicinitv.  that  she  has  not  contributed 
to  elevate. 

Without  preLfcxisiuiis  to  great  leriiuty  oi  soil,  or 
superior  commercial  or  manutacturing  advantages, 
this  metropolis  has  continued  m  a  steady  and  vigor 


•^03 

oils  growth,  througli  all  mutations  ol'  Ibrcign  anil 
domestic  politics.  To  what  is  this  fact  to  be  at- 
tributed ?  Why  has  it  not  shared  as  largely  as  its 
neighbors  in  the  calamitous  vicissitudes  of  a  fluc- 
tuating trade  ?  I  would  not  answer,  as  may  be 
anticipated  by  some,  that  the  receipts  from  the 
collegiate  institution  have  been  its  principal  sup- 
port ;  but  I  would  note  among  its  preservative  prin- 
ciples the  just  influence  of  a  College,  that  has  in- 
sensibly imbued,  with  a  healthy  vigor,  a  large  sur- 
rounding district,  and  practically  operated  on  the 
character  of  a  wide  spread  population. 

The  absurd  idea,  that  learning  is  only  necessa- 
ry to  three  professions,  has  been  exploded  ;  and 
popular  lectures,  not  only  on  useful  arts,  but  in 
history,  belles  lettres,  and  ornamental  branches  of 
education,  are  becoming  daily  more  fashionabl#. 
It  need  not  be  added,  that  when  such  men  as  Pro- 
fessors Silliman,  Olmsted,  and  others,  give  their 
aid  to  plans  of  general  improvement,  they  have 
every  reasonable  prospect  of  success. 

New  Haven  derives  singular  advantages  from  its 
local  position;  and  although  the  facilities  for  im- 
provements in  horticulture,  and  in  various  branches 
of  practical  science,  aflbrded  by  its  commercial  in- 
tercourse with  foreign  places,  have  been  greatly 
neglected,  it  may  justly  claim  a  rank  among  the 
most  interesting  of  American  Cities.  Its  popula- 
tion, consisting  of  about  ten  thousand  inhabitants, 
removes  it  from  the  contracted  and  prying  selfish- 
ness of  a  village,  while  its  literary  and  connnercial 


204 

advantages  atibrd  all  the  elements  of  enlightend  and 
polished  society. 

The  distribution  of  moderate  fortunes  among 
citizens  of  various  professions,  and  the  necessity  of 
mental  or  bodily  effort  for  support,  are  the  best  and 
purest  stimulants  of  ambition  ;  and  it  may  well  be 
doubted,  whether,  in  a  richer  and  more  abundant 
region,  with  ampler  funds  and  even  with  an  over- 
flowing treasury,  Yale  College  would  have  occupi- 
ed a  more  honorable  rank. 

It  has  steadily  grown  with  the  improvement  and 
advance  of  our  country,  and  justly  proud  of  its 
"  pilgrim"  parentage,  it  has  done  homage  to  its 
ancestry,  by  a  faithful  preservation  of  puritan  prin- 
ciples. 

The  antiquity  of  the  College  cannot  be  ranked 
sftnong  fanciful  or  trivial  advantages.  The  whole 
basis  of  its  government  is  practical,  and  experience, 
the  unerring  test  of  academic  as  well  as  national 
law,  has  sanctioned  its  code  and  practice.  For 
many  years,  instructors  in  all  departments  have 
been  selected  from  the  Alumni  of  the  College,  and 
uniformity  and  harmony  in  the  course  of  instruc- 
tion have  been  the  result. 

The  Library  has  also  acquired  a  value  from  this 
circumstance  ;  for,  although  deficient  in  many 
modern  works,  it  comprises  rare  and  interesting 
productions  of  ancient  times,  which  industry  and 
wealth  would  in  vain  attempt  to  supply,  in  the 
formation  of  a  new  library.     The  foundation  is  thus 


205 

secured  for  such  accumulations  as  liberality  may 
hereafter  furnish. 

But  aside  even  from  these  advantages,  resulting 
from  the  antiquity  of  the  establishment,  it  may  be 
properly  mentioned  as  an  incident  to  the  College, 
that  literary  men  have  been  attracted  to  New  Ha- 
v^  by  the  allurements  held  out  by  its  advantages. 

If  it  were  proper  to  allude  to  names ;  such  men 
as  Noah  Webster,  in  Philology,  Percival,  in  Poetry, 
and  other  ardent  votaries  of  science,  who  have 
adorned  the  annals  of  our  national  literature,  might 
be  referred  to,  as  residents  of  New  Haven,  who 
were  attracted  to  it,  not  less  by  its  literary  advan- 
tages than  by  its  local  beauty. 

But  the  influence  of  the  College,  combined  with 
other  favorable  circumstances,  has  been  more  strik- 
ingly manifested  in  the  literary  character  of  the 
city.  Numerous  Schools,  for  the  education  of  both 
sexes,  have  recently  been  established  in  New  Ha- 
ven, and  are  conducted  with  much  talent  and  gene- 
ral approbation.  It  is  probably  not  an  over  esti- 
mate of  pupils  to  say,  that,  including  the  members 
of  Yale  College,  one  tenth  part  of  the  inhabitants 
of  New  Haven  is  composed  of  male  and  female  stu- 
dents, residing  in  the  city  for  the  sole  purpose  of 
education. 

The  city,  therefore,  affords  all  the  means  of  ele- 
mentary as  well  as  mature  instruction ;  and  so  long 
as  the  economical  and  salutary  system  now  exist- 
ing, shall  be  continued,  will  deservedly  rank  among 
the  most  desirable  places  for  education  that  our 
country  affords. 


206 

To  relieve  his  narrative  from  tabular  statements, 
the  writer  has  inserted  such  matters  in  relation  to 
Cabinets,  Apparatus,  Library,  &.c.  as  he  considered 
interesting,  in  the  Appendix. 

Before  closing  this  chapter,  intended  to  illustrate 
the  facilities  and  advantages  for  literary  pursuits  at 
New  Haven,  arising  from  the  long  established  i^i- 
flucnce  of  the  College  and  other  incidental  cir- 
cumstances, it  would  be  unpardonable  to  omit  a 
notice  of  the  "  Amei'ican  Journal  of  Science  and 
Arts  ;"  a  periodical  work  of  the  highest  merit, 
and  which,  under  the  able  editorship  of  its  projec- 
tor. Professor  Silliman,  has  exercised,  for  several 
years,  a  powerful  and  salutary  influence  on  Ameri- 
can literature.  This  ably  conducted  Journal  was 
commenced  in  July,  1818,  and  may  be  fairly  con- 
sidered, although  not  subject  to  its  control,  as  hav- 
ing received  its  birth  in  the  generating  influence  of 
the  University.  As  a  valuable  repository  of  facts 
and  speculations,  in  regard  to  the  arts  and  sciences, 
it  has  attracted  greater  attention  than  any  periodi- 
cal work  of  the  kind  has  ever  received  in  our  coun- 
try. It  has  been  sustained  with  untiring  industry 
and  unabated  vigor,  from  the  commencement,  and 
has  probably  been  the  means  of  collecting  and  pre- 
serving a  larger  mass  of  valuable  facts,  in  relation 
to  the  arts  than  any  original  work  which  has  issued 
from  the  American  press.  It  were  to  be  wished 
that  the  pecuniary  profits  of  this  excellent  work, 
bore  some  nearer  proportion  to  the  value  of  its 
contents,   and  that   the  learned  Editor  might   be 


207 

saved  from  the  painful  necessity  of  making  any 
further  appeals  to  his  fellow  citizens,  for  additional 
patronage  to  a  Journal  which  is  honorable  to  the 
science  of  our  common  country.  It  derives  an  ad- 
ditional value,  as  being  adopted  as  the  acknowledg- 
ed organ  of  the  Connecticut  Academy  of  Arts  and 
Sciences. 


208 


CHAPTER     XV. 

A  Review  of  the  Past  and  Present  Condition  of  the  College, 
with  reference  to  the  Character  of  its  Treasurers. 

In  closing  this  Sketch  of  an  ancient  and  venera- 
ble Institution,  already  extended  beyond  the  origin- 
al plan  of  the  writer,  but  a  brief  space  is  allowed  for 
a  review  of  its  past  history,  or  present  condition. 

It  has  grown  from  a  feeble  Ecclesiastical  School, 
into  a  distinguished  University,  embracing  in  its 
range  of  instruction  almost  the  whole  circle  of  sci- 
ences, and  affording  to  those  who  have  completed 
the  usual  course  of  collegiate  studies,  the  means  of 
acquiring  accurate  knowledge  in  the  professions  of 
active  life. 

The  progress  of  the  Institution  and  the  changes, 
both  in  its  government  and  instruction,  furnish  a 
beautiful  illustration  of  the  literary  and  political 
progress  of  society,  during  the  last  century. 

New  England  was  founded  by  pious  pilgrims, 
who  abandoned  the  comforts  of  European  life  and 
the  delights  of  cultivated  society  to  enjoy  religious 
freedom  in  a  wilderness.  But  though  their  choice 
was  prompt,  they  could  not  forget  the  ecclesiastical 
oppression  that  had  forced  them  to  quit  the  abodes 
of  civilized  man.  In  the  depths  of  the  forests,  they 
remeiQiJjcred  with  occasional  bitterness  of  spirit,  the 


309 

unjust  persecutions,  which  liad  driven  iheni  troni 
the  refinements  of  pohshed  life,  and  their  sentiments 
with  regard  to  those  who  differed  from  them  in  re- 
ligious opinions,  were  imbittcred  by  their  sufferings, 
A  rigid  ecclesiastical  discipline  was  established  in 
the  colonies,  which,  though  generally  wise,  was 
sometimes  exercised,  in  mere  matters  of  conscience, 
with  a  severity  amounting  to  persecution. 

Ministers  w  ere  not  only  the  ecclesiastical,  but  the 
civil  officers  and  guides  of  the  colonists ;  and  every 
new  establishment  was  formed  in  express  reference 
to  the  interests  of  the  church.  Hence,  Theological 
studies  occupied  almost  exclusively  their  attention. 
The  ancient  languages,  as  auxiliary  to  these,  also 
formed  an  important  branch  of  education.  Hebrew 
and  Greek,  as  the  original  Scripture  tongues,  were 
indispensable ;  and  the  Latin  had  long  been  estab- 
lished, not  only  as  the  language  of  general  science, 
but  particularly  of  ecclesiastical  literature.  The 
perfection  obtained  by  many  of  the  early  scholars 
of  New  England,  in  these  branches,  it  is  believed, 
has  rarely  been  equalled  by  educated  men  of  modern 
times. 

The  cultivation  of  polite  literature  was  attempt- 
ed to  a  limited  extent,  under  the  rectorship  of  Mr. 
Williams,  but  yielded  under  the  presidency  of  Mr. 
Clap,  in  a  great  degree  to  the  graver  pursuits  of 
mathematics  and  philosophy.  During  President 
Daggett's  administration  the  classical  departments 
were  chiefly  confided  to  the  Tutors,  who  embarked 
in  the  cause  of  reform  with  equal  zeal  and  ability. 

27 


210 

From  that  period  the  character  and  just  pretensions 
of  the  College  gradually  enlarged,  until  under  the 
presidency  of  Doctor  Dwight,  its  landmarks  as  a 
University,  were  judiciously,  and,  it  is  believed,  per- 
manently traced  and  established. 

Its  progressive  improvement  in  its  new  character 
has  been  limited  only  by  its  contracted  funds. 
Probably  the  history  of  literary  institutions  does 
not  furnish  an  example  of  a  seminary  so  flourishing, 
and  yet  so  poorly  endowed.  The  character  and 
personal  efforts  of  its  officers  and  instructors  have 
built  up  the  Institution,  and,  although  many  small 
benefactions,  and  some  of  more  generous  amount, 
have  occasionally  been  made,  it  is  believed  that  the 
vmproductive  property  of  the  College,  its  buildings, 
its  libraries,  its  cabinets,  and  its  various  apparatus, 
greatly  exceed,  in  value,  the  aggregate  of  all  dona- 
tions. 

The  finances  of  the  College  have  been  superin- 
tended with  uncommon  vigilance,  and  husbanded 
with  a  care  that  is  seldom  equalled,  even  in  private 
domestic  economy.  During  one  hundred  and  twen- 
ty-eight years,  there  have  been  but  five  individuals 
who  have  held  the  office  of  Treasurer.  Their 
names  indicate  their  public  and  personal  worth,  for 
they  belong  to  Statesmen,  whose  wisdom  has  been 
infused  into  our  national  councils,  and  whose  talents 
would  have  qualified  them  to  govern  the  resources 
of  an  empire.  From  the  year  1702  to  the  present 
time,  the  following  gentlemen  have  successively 
held  that  office,  and  the  last  still  continues  his  val- 


211 

uable  services— John  Allen.  John  Prout,  Roger 
Sherman,  John  Trumbull,  James  Hillhouse.  Mr. 
Prout  was  Treasurer  for  lifty  years,  and  the  present 
incumbent  has  been  in  office  forty-eight  years. 
Singular  and  honorable  evidences  of  harmony  and 
wisdom  in  collegiate  councils. 

Only  one  severe  loss  has  hecn  sustained  by  the  In- 
stitution during  the  long  period  of  its  existence.  A 
citizen  of  Connecticut  blushes  when  he  points  to 
the  Eagle  Bank,  a  chartered  favorite  of  the  State, 
supposed  to  be  conducted  by  gentlemen  of  integrity 
and  prudence,  and  is  obliged  to  say  ; — there  the  earn- 
ings of  frugal  enterprize,  the  contributions  of  chari- 
ty, funds  devoted  to  science,  the  savings  of  many 
generations,  were  sacriiiced  in  a  spirit  of  rapacious 
and  fraudulent  speculation. 

In  the  desolating  effects  of  that  failure,  Yale 
College  lost  a  very  large  portion  of  its  productive 
funds,  and  it  is  now  known  that  the  whole  income 
of  the  Institution,  aside  from  the  quarterly  bills  of 
students,  does  not  much  exceed  two  thousand  dol- 
lars per  annum.  The  whole  burthen,  both  of  teach- 
ing and  support,  devolves  on  the  instructors ;  and 
yet,  with  all  these  embarrassments,  it  annually  ex- 
hibits a  larger  Catalogue  than  any  College  in  the 
Union  can  boast. 

The  scattered  Alumni,  it  is  true,  do  now  and  then 
cast  a  look  of  affectionate  solicitude  towards  the 
venerable  fountain,  from  whence  they  drank  the 
waters  of  knowledge ;  but  its  natural  guardians,  the 
Legislators  of  a  State,  richer  in  literary  funds  than 


212 

any  State  in  the  Union,  who  have  seen  it  for  a  cen- 
tury and  a  <|uarter  pouring  forth  its  fertihzing 
streams,  through  every  region  of  our  extensive 
country,  and  diftusing  a  moral  influence  which  al- 
most compensated  the  loss  of  political  power  ;  who 
have  seen  it  a  productive  source  of  income,  stimu- 
lating industry  by  the  expenditure  of  large  sums 
derived  from  other  regions ;  look  on  with  a  strange 
apathy  and  extend  no  cheering  hand  of  generosity 
for  its  relief 

What  is  there  eminent,  what  is  there  enviable  in 
Connecticut  but  her  moral  and  intellectual  great- 
ness ?  Many  of  her  sister  States  are  far  her  supe- 
riors in  wealth  and  fertility  of  soil,  and  yet,  although 
her  wisest  and  her  best  have  repeatedly  appealed  to 
her,  by  every  motive  that  could  influence  pride  or 
stimulate  patriotism,  she  seems  resolved  to  cast 
away  her  richest  jewel. 

Young  and  well  endowed  Colleges  are  rapidly 
springing  up  in  every  section  of  the  country,  and 
public  bounty  is  poured  into  their  treasuries  with 
no  sparing  hand.  The  improvements  in  modern 
sciences,  particularly  in  their  application  to  useful 
and  practical  arts,  require  constant  additions  to 
professorships,  libraries,  and  apparatus. 

The  range  of  instruction  is  continually  extending, 
and  an  Institution,  however  honorable  and  dear 
may  be  its  past  reputation  to  the  friends  of  science, 
that  is  unable  to  advance  with  the  spirit  of  an  en- 
lightened age,  or  whom  poverty  forces  to  a  slug- 
gish and  feeble  step,  must  soon  yield  the  palm  of 
honorable  competition  to  more  fortunate  rivals. 


213 

As  illustrative  of  the  rapid  increase  of  American 
Colleges,  in  variety  and  extent  of  instruction,  it 
may  be  remarked,  that  although  Yale  College  has 
existed  one  hundred  and  thirty  years,  more  than 
one  half  of  all  the  Professors  who  have  ever  been 
appointed  are  now  in  vigorous  health  and  in  the 
active  discharge  of  their  duties. 

Will  the  ungenerous  appeal  to  groveling  pas- 
sions much  longer  influence  our  Hall  of  Legislation, 
that  Colleges  are  for  the  education  of  the  rich,  and 
that  public  bounty  should  not  select  them  as  its  ob- 
jects ?  States  who  have  long  prided  themselves  on 
the  purity  of  their  democracy,  South  Carolina, 
Virginia,  and  New  York,  have  avowed  by  munifi- 
cent appropriations,  that  this  debasing  sentiment 
does  not  belong  to  their  creed. 

The  influence  of  Colleges  is  not  confined  to  the 
narrow  limits  of  a  select  and  favored  few.  It  per- 
vades every  class  of  society,  and  is  felt  through 
every  variety  of  human  occupation.  Academies 
and  common  Schools  derive  from  hence  the  lights 
that  guide  them  on  their  way.  Laying  aside  the 
importance  of  learned  and  enlightened  lawyers, 
physicians,  and  divines,  there  is  not  a  trade  or  an 
art  which  is  not  invigorated  by  science. 

Commerce  and  navigation  could  not  be  pursued 
without  its  aid :  manufactures  exhibit  it  in  all  their 
complex  and  various  machinery ;  and  agriculture, 
within  a  few  years,  has,  by  the  application  of  sci- 
ence, risen  to  its  primitive  dignity,  and  become  a 
noble  occupation  for  intelligent  man. 


214 

Without  it,  even  war  itself,  the  last  resort  for  the 
protection  of  liberty,  would  become  a  brutal  trial 
of  physical  strength. 

It  would  be  an  interesting  task  to  one  competent 
for  its  performance,  to  select  from  the  Catalogue 
of  Yale  College,  the  names  of  those  who,  after 
receiving  its  honors,  have  distinguished  themselves 
in  the  various  pursuits  of  human  life,  and  to  give, 
as  an  incentive  to  their  successors,  brief  sketches  of 
their  biography. 

Were  it  made  the  duty  of  some  gentleman  con- 
nected with  the  Institution,  to  collect  and  arrange 
the  materials  of  such  a  work,  unanswerable  testi- 
mony, requiring  neither  the  support  of  argument 
or  speculation,  would  soon  be  furnished,  that  the 
streams  of  knowledge  have  fertilized  every  field  of 
human  cultivation,  and  that  the  higher  Seminaries 
of  learning  are  just  objects  of  public  beneficence. 

To  those  familiar  with  the  history  and  benefits 
of  the  Institution  no  such  incentives  are  required. 

They  fervently  hope,  that  this  beautiful  "  tree, 
of  their  fathers'  planting,"  nurtured  and  watered 
by  their  children's  care,  may  long  continue  to 
spread  forth  its  vigorous  branches,  fresh  in  ver- 
dure and  rich  in  fragrance.  They  will  look  for- 
ward to  some  more  auspicious  time,  when  neither 
prejudice,  nor  party,  nor  false  economy,  shall  long- 
er triumph  over  (^lightened  intelligence  and  ele- 
vated patriotism ;  and  in  the  mean  time  unite  in 
the  animating  exclamation  of  President  Clap — 
Dili  fioreat  alma  mater  YALENSIA  ! 


215 


APPENDIX. 


SECTION    I. 

A    BRIEF    ANALYSIS    OF    THE   CATALOGUE    OF    THE    COLLEGE. 

For  many  years  it  has  Iffeen  the  custom  of  the  College  to  pub- 
lish triennially,  a  General  Catalogue  of  the  Institution,  embracing 
such  general  facts,  in  addition  to  the  Oflicers  and  Alumni,  as  may 
be  deemed  interesting  to  literary  men,  and  more  especially  to 
those  who  retain  an  affection  for  their  Alma  Mater. 

The  last  of  this  series  of  Catalogues  was  published  at  Com- 
mencement, in  the  year  1829,  and,  with  the  exception  of  the  class 
graduated  in  1830,  embraces  the  whole  number  of  those  who 
have  received  the  honors  of  the  College. 

Adding  seventy-one  for  that  Class,  to  the  number  specified  in 
the  summary  of  the  Catalogue,  and  it  appears  that  4426  Students 
have  been  educated  at  Yale  College  and  received  the  degree  of 
Bachelor  of  Arts. 

Deducting  from  that  number  1982,  who  have  died,  and  there 
remain  living  of  the  Alumni,  2444.  In  addition  to  the  regular 
Graduates,  four  hundred  and  ninety-three,  who  were  educated 
elsewhere,  have  received  the  honors  of  the  College,  of  whom 
two  hundred  and  sixty  are  yet  living. 

One  thousand  and  sixty-seven  Clergymen  arc  noted  in  the  Cat- 
alogue as  Graduates  ;  of  whom,  453  were  living  at  the  time  of  its 
publication.  Besides  these,  180  Clergymen  had  received  the 
honors  of  the  College,  of  whom  eighty-one  were  living. 

From  the  foundation  of  the  College  until  the  year  1767,  inclu- 
sive, the  names  of  Graduates  are  arranged  according  to  respecta- 
bility of  parentage ;  since  that  time,  as  more  Republican  senti- 
ments began  then  to  prevail,  they  have  been  arranged  in  alpha- 
betical order. 


21G 

The  njmes  of  those  who  liavc  obtained  eminent  distinction  in 
civil  life,  are  printed  in  small  capitals,  Avith  additions  of  official 
rank  ;  ihe  names  of  Clergymen  in  italics  ;  and  to  the  names  of  all 
are  annexed  their  academic  degrees. 

It  might  be  considered  an  invidious  task  to  make  a  selection 
from  the  eminent  men  who  adorn  the  Catalogues  of  this  venera- 
ble Institution,  but  it  may  be  pardonable  in  noting  those,  who 
have  afterwards  become  heads  of  other  Colleges. 

The  following  list  of  Presidents  has  been  compiled  from  a 
rapid  inspection,  but  is  believed  to  be  correct. 
Jonathan  Dickinson,   afterwards  President  of  Nassau  Hall, 

New  Jersey,  was  graduated  in         ■"  1706 

Samuel  Johnson,  Columbia,  (then  King's)  College,  N.York,  1714 
Jonathan  Edwards,  Nassau  Hall,  New  Jersey,  1720 

Eleazar  Wheelock,  Dartmouth,  New  Hampshire,  1733 

Aaron  Burr,  Nassau  Hall,  New  Jersey,  1735 

William  Samvel  Johnson,  Columbia,  New  York,  1744 

Ezra  Stiles,  Yale  College,  1746 

Napthali  Daggett,  Yale  College,  1748 

Timothy  Dwight,  Yale  College,  1769 

Abraham  Baldwin,  University  of  Georgia,  1772 

Ehenezer  Fitch,  Williams',  Massachusetts,  1777 

Jo5m/i  Me ?^5,  University  of  Georgia,  1778 

Samuel  Austin,  University  of  Vermont,  1783 

Azel  Backus,  Hamilton,  New  York,  1787 

Edward  D.  Griffin,  Williams',  Mass.  1790 

Jeremiah  Atwatcr,  Middlebury,  Ver.  and  Dickinson,  Penn.   1793 
Jeremiah  Day,  Yale  College,  1795 

Henry  Davis,  Middlebury,  Ver.  and  Hamilton,  New  York,  1796 
David  A.  Sherman,  Kuoxville,  Tennessee,  1802 

Horace  Holley,  Transylvania,  Kentucky,  1803 

Bennet  Tyler,  Dartmouth,  New  Hampshire,  <^804 

Heman  Humphrey,  Amherst,  Mass.  1805 

William  H.  DeLancey,  University  of  Pennsylvania,  1817 

Edward  Rtitledge,  Transylvania  University,  Kentucky,        1817 
Hector  Humphreys,  St.  John's  College,  Maryland,  1818 

Edward  Beecher,  Illinois,  1832 


2n 

This  respectable  list,  composed  claclly  of  celebrated  divines, 
bears  evidence  to  the  wisdom  of  those  who  laid  the  corner  stones 
of  our  Republic,  and,  in  the  midst  of  self  privations  and  personal 
sufl'erings,  cheered  themselves  in  the  anticipation  of  a  noble  har- 
vest to  their  posterity,  from  their  faithful  planting.  If  it  were 
not  repugnant  to  the  prudent  motive  already  assigned,  how  foi-ci- 
bly  might  this  harvest  of  blessings  be  illustrated,  by  alluding 
particularly  to  such  families  as  the  Trumbulls,  distinguished  in 
every  ornamental  and  useful  "joursuit,  and  emphatically  the  De 
Medici  of  Connecticut ;  to  numerous  and  illustrious  men,  who 
have  dignified  the  Pulpit,  the  Bar,  the  Halls  of  Legislation,  and 
the  high  places  of  Medical  science ;  to  Statesmen,  who  have  oc- 
cupied the  foremost  rank  in  council ;  to  bi'ave  and  intelligent 
Soldiers,  who  have  led  our  countrymen  to  battle  and  victory  ;  to 
men  of  letters,  who  have  honorably  Avrought  in  every  field  of 
science,  or  risen  on  vigorous  wing  into  the  regions  of  imagination 
and  jioetry  ;  to  agriculturalists  ;  to  manufacturers  ;  to  mechanics, 
with  Whitney,  (a  name  imperishable  in  the  annals  of  art,  at  their 
head,)  who  have  laid  the  foundations  of  their  usefulness  and  fame 
at  Yale  College. 

But  enough,  perhaps,  has  been  said,  to  direct  the  attention  of 
the  curious  to  an  examination  of  the  Catalogues  of  an  Institution 
which  has  educated  more  students  than  any  other  College  in 
America,  (excepting  Harvard.)  and  still  maintains,  with  unabated 
energy,  its  well  earned  eminence. 


SECTION    II. 

CATALOGUE  OF  THE  ACADEMIC  SCHOOL. 

PRESIDENTS. 

Elected.  feft. 

A.  D.  A^^ 

1701  Rev.  Abraham  Pierson,  IW? 

1719  Rev.  Timothy  Cutler,  S.  T.  D.  n2ii 

1726  Rev.  Elisha  Williams,  '73^ 

1739  Rev.  TnoHAs  Clais  '*''•» 

28 


218 

ElectcJ.  Left. 

1766  Rev.  Napiitali  Daggett,  S.  T.  D.  1777 

1777  Rev.  Ezra  Stiles,  S.  T.  D.  LL.  D.  1795 

1795  Rev.  Timothy  Dwight,  S.  T.  D.  LL.  D.  1817 

1817  Rev.  Jeremiah  Day,  LL.  D.  S.  T.  D. 

FELLOWS. 

1700  Rev.  James  Noyes,  1719 

1700  Rev.  Israel  Chauncey,    *  1703 

1700  Rev.  Thomas  Buckingham,  1709 

1700  Rev.  Abraham  Pierson,  Pres.  1707 

1700  Rev.  Samuel  Mather,  1724 

1700  Rev.  Samuel  Andrew,  Pres.  p.  t.  1738 

1700  Rev.  Timothy  Woodbridge,  1732 

1700  Rev.  James  Pierpont,  1714 

1700  Rev.  Noadiah  Russell,  1713 

1700  Rev.  Joseph  Webb,  1732 

1701  Rev.  Samuel  Russell,  1731 
1704  Rev,  Moses  Noyes,  1729 
1707  Rev.  John  Davenport,  1731 
1709  Rev.  Thomas  Buckingham,  1731 
1711  Rev.  Thomas  Ruggles,  1728 
1716  Rev.  Stephen  Buckingham,  1732 
1720  Rev.  Eliphalet  Adams,  17^ 

1734  Rev.  Samuel  Whitman,  1746 
1726  Rev.  Elisha  Williams,  Pres.  1739 
1730  Rev.  Jared  Eliot,  1762 

1730  Rev.  Joseph  Moss,  1732 

1731  Rev.  Ebenezer  Williams,  1748 

1732  Rev.  Samuel  Woodbridge,  1743 
1732  Rev,  Jonathan  Marsh,  1745 
1732  Rev.  Samuel  Cook,  1746 
1732  Rev.  Samuel  Whittelsey,  1752 

1735  Rev,  Joseph  Noyes,  1761 

1738  Rev.  Anthony  Stoddard,  1760 

1739  Rev.  Thomas  Clap,  Pres,  1766 

1740  Rev.  Benjamin  Lord,  S.  T.  D.  1772 


219 

Elected.             -  l-reft. 

1743  Rev.  Daniel  Wadsworth,  1747 

1745  Rev.  William  Russell,  oi761 

1746  Rev.  Nathaniel  Chauncey,  1752 
1746  Rev.  Thomas  Ruggles,  1770 

1748  Rev.  Elnathan  Whitman,  1774 

1749  Rev.  Solomon  Williams,  S.  T.  D.  170U 
1753  Rev.  Noah  Hobart,  177.3 
1755  Rev.  Ashbel  Woodekidge,  1758 
1758  Rev.  Moses  Dickinson,  1777 

1760  Rev.  James  Lockwood,  1772 

1761  Rev.  Edward  Eells,  1776 
1763  Rev.  Jonathan  Merrick,  1769 
1763  Rev.  George  Beckwith,  1777 
1766  Rev.  Naphtali  Daggett,  S.  T.  D.  Pres.  1777 
1769  Rev.  Eliphalet  William.s,  S.  T.  D.  1801 
1769  Rev.  Warham  Williams,  1788 

1771  Rev.  Richard  Salter,  S.  T.  D.  1780 

1772  Rev.  John  Trumbull,  1787 

1773  Rev.  Stephen  Johnson,  1786 

1774  Rev.  Noah  Welles,  S.  T.  D.  1776 
1774  Rev.  Nathaniel  Taylor,  1800 

1776  Rev.  Elizur  Goodrich,  S.  T.  D.  1797 

1777  Rev.  Moses  Mather,  S.  T.  D.  1790 
1777  Rev.  Ezra  Stiles,  S.  T.  D.  LL.  D.  Pres.  1795 
1777  Rev.  Samuel  Lockwood,  S.  T.  D.  1791 
1777  Rev.  Timothy  Pitkin,  1804 
1780  Rev.  Enoch  Huntington,  1808 

1787  Rev.  Josiah  Whitney,  S.  T.  D.  1810 

1788  Rev.  David  Ely,  S.  T.  D.  1816 
1788  Rev.  Nathan  Williams,  S.  T.  D.  1808 

1790  Rev.  Hezekiah  Ripley,  S.  T.  D.  1817 

1791  Rev.  Levi  Hart,  S.  T.  D.  1807 

1792  Exc.  Samuel  Huntington,  LL.  D.  1796 

1792  Exc.  Oliver  Wolcott,  LL.  D.  1797 

1793  Hon.  William  Williams,  1803 
J 792  Hon.  Benjamin  Huntington,  LL.  D.  1793 


# 


220 

Elected.  Left. 

1792  Hon.  JosF.ni  Platt  Cooke,  1803 

1792»Hon,  Htephen  Mix  Mitchell,  LL.  D.  1793 

1792  Hon.  Willi  Am  Hillhouse,  1809 

1792  Exc.  John  Treadwell,  LL.  D.  1811 

1793  Hon.  James  Davenport,  1797 
1793  Hon.  Roger  Newberry,  1808 
1795  Rev.  Timothy  Dwight,  S.  T.  D.  LL.  D.  Tres.  .  1817 
179G  Exc.  Jonathan  Trumbull,  LL.  D.                                1809 

1797  Hon.  Heman  Swift,  1802 

1798  Hon.  Thomas  Grosvenor,  1802 

1799  Rev.  James  Dana,  S.  T.  D.  1812 
1801  Rev.  John  Marsh,  S.  T.  D.  *                        1820 

1801  Rev.  Noah  Benedict,  1812 

1802  Hon.  Oliver  Ellsworth,  LL.  D.  1807 

1802  Hon.  Thomas  Seymour,  1803 

1803  Hon.  John  Chester,  1809 
1803  Hon.  Aaron  Austin,  1818 

1803  Hon.  David  Daggett,  LL.  D.  1804 

1804  Hon.  Jonathan  Brace,  ^,  1806 
1804  Rev.  Nathan  Strong,  S.  T.  D.  1807 

1806  Hon.  Asher  Miller,  1817 

1807  Rev.  Andrew  Lee,  S.  T.  D.  1823 

1808  Hon.  Jonathan  Brace,  *  1821 
1808  Rev.  Joseph  Strong,  S.  T.  D.  1826 

1808  Rev.  Achilles  Mansfield,  1814 

1809  Hon.  David  Daggett,  LL.  D.  1813 
1809  Hon.  Elizur  Goodrich,  1818 
1809  Hon.  Matthew  Griswold,  1818 
1809  Rev.  Benoni  Upson,  S.  T.  D.  1823 

1809  Exc.  Roger  Griswold,  LL.  D.  1812 

1810  Rev.  Amos  Bassett,  S.  T.  D.  1827 
1810  Exc.  John  Cotton  Smith,  LL.  D.  ;           1817 

1812  Rev.  John  Elliot,  S.  T.  D.  1825 

1813  Hon.  Chauncey  Goodrich,  1815 

1813  Rev.  Peter  Starr,  1818 

1814  Hon.  Sephen  Titus  Hosmer,  LL.  D.                          1815 


221  " 

Elected.  Left. 

1814  Rev.  Elijah  Parsons,  .  1821 

181.5  Hon.  Henry  Champion,  1818 

1816  Hon.  Jonathan  Ingersoll,  LL.  D.  1823 

1816  Rev.  Isaac  Lewis,  S.  T.  D.  1818 

1817  Exc.  Oliver  Wolcott,  LL.  D.  1827 
1817  Hon.  Frederic  Wolcott,  1823 
1817  Rev.  Jeremiah  Day,  LL.  D.  S.  T.  D.  Pres. 

1817  Rev.  William  Brintnall  Ripley,  1822 

1818  Hon.  Elias  Perkins,  1823 
1818  Hon.  William  Bristol,  1819 
1818  Hon.  Elijah  Boardman,  1821 
1818  Hon.  David  Tomlinson,  1822 
1818  Rev.  Daniel  Smith, 

1818  Rev.  Andrew  Eliot,  1829 

1819  Hon.  Sylvester  Wells,  M.  D.  1822 

1820  Rev.  Calvin  Chapin,  S.  T.  D. 

1821  Hon.  John  S.  Peters,  M.  D.  1823 
1821  Hon.  Enoch  Burrows,  1822 

1821  Rev.  David  Smith, 

1822  Hon.  David  Hill,  1827 
1822  Hon.  Orange  Merwin,  1825 
1822  Hon.  David  Plant,  1827 

1822  Rev.  Moses  Cook  Welch,  S.  T.  D.  ,       1824 

1823  Hon.  Elisha  Phelps,  1825 
1823  Hon.  William  Moseley,  1825 
1823  Hon.  Austin  Olcott,  M.  D.  1826 
1823  Hon.  Abel  Wheeler,  1825 
1823  Rev.  Matthew  Noyes, 

1823  Rev.  Noah  Porter,  S.  T.  D. 

1824  Rev.  Daniel  Dow, 

1825  Hon.  Luther  Loomis,  1827 
1825  Hon.  Ebenezer  Young,  1826 
1825  Hon.  Robert  Fairchild,  1826 
1825  Hon.  John  Welch,  1828 

1825  Rev.  Aaron  Dutton, 

1826  Hon.  Ebenezer  Stoddard,  1828 
1826  Hon.  Nathan  Johnson, 


222 

FJectcd.  Left. 

1826  Hon.  Samuel  Church,  1828 

1820  Rev.  Abel  M'Ewen, 

1827  Exc.  Gideon  Tomlinson,  LL.  D.  1831 
1827  Exc.  John  S.  Peters,  M.  D. 

1827  Hon.  Noyes  Darling,  1828 

1827  Hon.  Ingoldsby  \V.  Crawford,  1828 

1827  Rev.  Diodate  Brockway, 

1828  Hon.  John  Alsop. 

1828  Hon.  Samuel  Tweedy,  1829 

1828  Hon.  Ebenezer  Brockway,  1829 

1828  Hon.  Martin  Welles, 

1828  Hon.  Roger  Huntington, 

1829  Hon.  Homer  Boardman, 
1829  Hon.  John  D.  Reynolds, 
1829  Rev.  Luther  Hart, 

PROFESSORS. 
Sacred  Theology. 
1755  Naphtali  Daggett,  S.  T.  D.  Pres.  1780 

1782  Samuel  Wales,  S.  T.  D.  1794 

1805  Timothy  Dwight,  S.  T.  D.  LL.  D.  Pres.  1817 

1817  Eleazar  Thompson  Fitch,  S.  T.  D. 

Ecclesiastical  History. 
1777  Ezra  Stiles,  S.  T.  D.  LL.  D.  Pres.  1795 

Mathematics  and  Natural  Philosophy. 

1770  Nehemiah  Strong,  1781 

1794  JosiAH  Meigs,  1801 

1803  Jeremiah  Day,  LL.  D.  S.  T.  D.  Pies.  1817 
1817  Alexander  Metcalf  Fisher,  ^  1822 
1822  Matthew  Rice  Dutton,  1825 

1825  Denison  Olmsted,  ^ 

Law  and  Jurisprudence. 
1801  Elizur  Goodrich,  1810 

1826  David  Daggett,  LL.  D.  ai 

Chimistry  and  Mineralogy. 

1804  Benjamin  Silliman,  M.  D.  LL.  D. 


223 

Hebrew,  Greek,  and  Latin  Languages. 
Elected.  Left. 

1805  James  Luce  Kingsley. 

Materia  Medica  and  Botany. 
1813  iExEAs  MuNsoN,  M.  D.  1826 

1813  Eli  Ives,  M.  D.  1829 

1829  William  Tullv,  M.  D. 

Theory  and  Practice  of  Medicine,  Surgery,  and  Obstetrics. 
1813  Nathan  Smith,  M.  D.  1829 

Surgery. 
1829  Thomas  Hubbard,  M.  D. 

Theory  and  Practice  of  Physic. 
1829  Eli  Ives,  M.  D. 

Anatomy. 
1813  Jonathan  Knight,  M.  D, 

Rhetoric. 
1817  Chauncey  Allen  Goodrich. 

Didactic  TJieulogy. 
1822  Nathaniel  William  Taylor,  S.  T.  D. 

Sacred  Literature. 
1824  Josiah  Willard  Gibbs. 


SECTION     III. 

list  of  the  present  officers  of  the  college. 

CORPORATION. 
Rev.  Jeremiah  Day,  S.  T.  D.  LL.  D. 
His  Exc.  John  S.  Peters,  M.  D. 
Rev.  Daniel  Smith. 
Rev.  Calvin  Chapin,  S.  T.  D. 
Rev.  David  Smith,  S.  T.  D. 
Rev.  Matthew  Noyes. 
Rev.  Noah  Porter,  S.  T.  D.  ♦ 

Rev.  Daniel  Dow. 


224 

Rev.  Aaron  Dutton. 

Rev.  Abel  M'Ewen. 

Hon.  NoYEs  Darling. 

Hon.  Ingoldsby  W.  Crawford. 

Rev.  DioDATE  Brockway. 

Hon.  John  Alsop. 

Hon.  Roger  Huntington. 

Hon.  Homer  Boardman. 

Hon.  John  D.  Reynolds. 

Rev.  Luther  Hart. 

TREASURER. 
Hon.  James  Hillhouse,  LL.  D. 

STEWARD. 
Stephen  Twining,  Esq. 

FACULTY  AND  INSTRUCTORS. 

Rev.  Jeremiah  Day,  S.  T.  D.  LL.  D.  President. 

Hon.  David  Daggett,  LL.  D.  Professor  of  Law. 

Thomas  Hubbard,  M.  D.  Professor  of  Surgery. 

Benjamin  Silliman,  M.  D.  LL.  D.  Professor  of  Chimistry, 
Pharmacy,  Mineralogy,  and  Geology. 

James  L.  Kingsley,  A.  M.  Professor  of  the  Hebrew,  Greek, 
and  Latin  Languages. 

Eli  Ives,  M.  D.  Professor  of  the  Theory  and  Practice  of  Physic. 

William  Tully,  M.  D.  Professor  of  Materia  Mcdica  and  Botany. 

Rev.  Nathaniel  W.  Taylor,  S.  T.  D.  Dwight  Professor  of  Di- 
dactic Theology. 

Jonathan  Knight,  M.D.  Professor  of  Anatomy  and  Physiology. 

Timothy'  P.  Beers,  M.  D.  Lecturer  on  Obstetrics  and  Medical 
Jurisprudence. 

JosiAH  W.  GiBBs,  A.  M.  Professor  of  Sacred  Literature. 

Samuel  J.  Hitchcock,  Esq.  Instructor  in  the  Science  and  Prac- 
tice of  Law.  ^ 

Rev.  Eleazar  T.  Fitch,  S.  T.  D.  Professor  of  Divinity. 

Rev.  Chauncky  A.  Goodrich,  A.  M.  Professor  of  Rhetoric  and 
Oratory. 


225 

Denison  Olmsted,  A.  M.  Professor  of  Mathematics  and  Natural 
Philosophy. 

Charles  U.  Shepard,  A.  B.  Assistant  to  the  Professor  of  Chem- 
istry, and  Lecturer  on  Botany. 

Amos  Pettingell,  A.M.  Tutor. 

William  A.  Larned,  A.  M.  Tutor. 

Horace  Bushnell,  A.  M.  Tutor. 

Henry  Durant,  A.  M.  Tutor. 

Robert  M'Ewen,  A.  M.  Tutor. 

William  Carter,  A.  B.  Tutor. 

Frederic  A.  P.  Barnard,  A.  B.  Tutor. 

Robert  Bakewell,  Teacher  of  Drawing  and  Perspective. 

Charles  A.  Coulomb,  Instructor  in  French. 

JoAquin  Rovira,  Instructor  in  Spanish. 

Erasmus  D.  North,  A.  B.  Instructor  in  Elocution. 


SECTION     IV. 

A  STATEMENT  OF  THE  COURSE  OF  INSTRUCTION,  EXPENSES,  &.C. 
IN  YALE  COLLEGE,  AS  PUBLISHED  BY  THE  FACULTY. 

TERMS  OF  ADMISSION. 

Candidates  for  admission  to  the  Freshman  Class,  arc  exam- 
ined in  Cicero's  Select  Orations,  Virgil,  Sallust,  the  Greek  Tes- 
tament, Dalzel's  Collectanea  Grasca  Minora,  Adam's  Latin  Gram- 
mar, Goodrich's  Greek  Grammar,  Latin  Prosody,  Writing  Latin, 
Barnai-d's  or  Adams'  Arithmetic,  Murray's  English  Grammar, 
and  Morse's,  Worcester's,  or  Woodbridge's  Geography.  Jacob's 
Greek  Reader  and  the  four  Gospels  are  admitted  as  a  substitute 
for  Graeca  Minora,  and  the  Greek  Testament. 

A  candidate  for  an  advanced  standing,  whether  from  another 
College  or  not,  in  addition  to  tlie  preparatory  studies,  is  examined 
in  the  various  branches  to  which  the  class  he  proposes  to  enter 
has  attended.  No  one  can  be  admitted  into  the  Senior  class  after 
the  dose  of  the  January  vacation. 

,29 


226 

The  stated  time  of  examination  for  admirfsion  into  College,  is 
on  the  day  preceding  the  public  Commencement.  But  persons 
may  be  examined  in  any  other  part  of  the  collegiate  terms.  It  is 
requested  that  they  may  not  be  offered  in  the  vacations,  except 
for  very  special  reasons. 

No  one  can  be  admitted  to  the  Freshman  class,  till  he  has  com- 
pleted his  fourteenth  year  ;  nor  to  an  advanced  standing  without 
a  proportional  increase  of  age. 

Testimonials  of  good  moral  character  are  in  all  cases  required; 
and  those  who  are  admitted  from  other  Colleges  must  produce 
certificates  of  dismission  in  good  standing.  The  students  are  not 
considered  as  regular  members  of  the  College  till,  after  a  resi- 
dence of  at  least  six  months,  they  have  been  admitted  to  matricu- 
lation, on  satisfactory  evidence  of  an  unblemished  moral  charac- 
ter.    Before  this  they  are  only  students  on  probation. 

COURSE  OF  INSTRUCTION. 

The  Faculty,  to  whom  is  committed  the  government  and  in- 
struction of  the  students,  consists  of  a  President ;  a  Professor  of 
Chimistry,  Mineralogy,  and  Geology  ;  a  Professor  of  the  Hebrew, 
Greek,  and  Latin  Languages ;  a  Professor  of  Mathematics,  Na- 
tural Philosophy,  and  Astronomy;  a  Professor  of  Divinity;  a 
Professor  of  Rhetoric  and  Oratory  ;  and  eight  Tutors. 

The  whole  course  of  instruction  occupies  four  years.  In  each 
year  there  are  three  terms  or  sessions. 

The  three  younger  classes  are  divided,  each  into  two  or  three 
parts  ;  and  each  of  the  divisions  is  committed  to  the  particular 
charge  of  a  Tutor,  Avho,  with  the  assistance  of  the  Professors,  in- 
structs it.  The  Senior  Class  is  instructed  by  the  President  and 
Professors.  Each  of  the  four  classes  attends  three  recitations  or 
lectures  in  a  day ;  except  on  Wednesdays  and  Saturdays,  when 
they  have  only  two.  The  following  scheme  gives  a  general  view 
of  the  authors  recited  each  term  : 

Freshman  Class. — I.  FoLsom's  Livy,  from  one  half  to  two 
thirds  ;  Adam's  Roman  Antiquities  ;  Day's  Algebra  begun ; 
Graica  Majora,  Vol.  I.  begun.  IL  Folsom's  Livy  finished  ; 
Greeca  Majora,  continued  through  the  historical  part ;  Day's  Al- 


227 

gebra  fniislicd.  III.  Horace  began;  (jiroeca  Majora,  Vul.  11.  be- 
gun ;  Playfair's  Euclid,  five  books. 

Sophomore  Class. — I.  Horace  continued  ;  Gra?ca  Majora,  con- 
linued  ;  Euclid  reviewed  and  finished.  II.  Horace  finished  and 
reviewed;  Grajca  Majora,  continued ;  Day's  Mathematics  ;  Plane 
Trigonometry,  Nature  and  Use  of  Logarithms,  Mensuration  of 
Superfices  and  Solids,  and  Isoperimetry  ;  Mensuration  of  Heights 
and  Distances,  and  Navigation.  HI.  Gra?ca  Majora,  continued  ; 
Juvenal,  Leverett's  Edition ;  Cicero  de  Oratore,  begun ;  Day's 
Mathematics  ;  Surveying  ;  Bridge's  Conic  Sections  ;  Spherical 
Geometry  and  Trigonometry  ;  Jamieson's  Rhetoric. 

Junior  Class. — I.  Cicero  de  Oratore,  finished  ;  Tacitus  begun ; 
Grffica  Majora,  continued  ;  Olmsted's  Natural  Philosophy  and 
Mechanics.  II.  Tacitus,  the  History,  Manners  of  the  Germans, 
and  Agricola  ;  Gra;ca  Majora,  continued  ;  Natural  Philosophy 
finished  and  reviewed.  HI.  Astronomy  ;  Hedge's  Logic  ;  Tyt- 
ler's  History.  At  the  option  of  the  Student :  Fluxions  ;  Homer's 
Iliad  ;  Hebrew,  French,  or  Spanish.' 

Senior  Class. — I.  Blair's  Rhetoric  ;  Stewart's  Philosophy  of 
tlie  Mind  ;  Brown's  Philosophy  of  the  Mind  ;  Paley's  Moral 
Philosophy  ;  Greek  and  Latin.  II.  Paley's  Natural  Theology ; 
Evidences  of  Christianity  ;  Greek  and  Latin.  HI.  Say's  Politi- 
cal Economy. 

In  addition  to  the  recitations  in  the  books  here  specified,  the 
classes  receive  lectures  and  occasional  instruction  from  the  Pro- 
fessor of  Languages  ;  the  Junior  Class  attends  a  course  of  exper- 
imental lectures  on  Natural  Philosophy ;  and  the  Senior  Class, 
the  courses  on  Chemistry,  Mineralogy,  Geology,  and  select  sub- 
jects of  Natural  Philosophy  and  Astronomy.  The  members  of 
the  several  classes  attend  also  the  private  exercises  and  lectures 
of  the  Professor  of  Rhetoric  and  Oratory.  A  course  of  Lectures 
on  the  Oration  of  Demosthenes  for  the  crown,  is  delivered  to 
members  of  the  Senior  Class.  Specimens  of  English  composi- 
tion are  exhibited  daily  by  one  or  more  of  each  of  the  divisions  ol 
the  Sophomore  and  Junior  Classes.  Written  translations  from 
Latin  authors  are  presented  by  the  Freshman  Class.  The  lower 
classes  are  also  instructed  in  Latin  composition.     The  Senior  and 


228 

Junior  classes  have  forensic  Disputations  once  or  twice  a  week, 
before  ilicir  inslructovs.  There  are  very  frequent  exercises  in 
Declamation  before  the  Tutors,  before  the  Professor  of  Oratory 
and  before  the  Faculty  and  Students  in  the  Chapel. 

Gentlemen  well  qualified  to  teach  the  French  and  Spanish  lan- 
guages, are  engaged  by  the  Faculty  to  give  instruction  in  these 
branches  to  those  students  Mho  desire  it,  at  their  own  expense. 

The  object  of  the  system  of  instruction  to  the  undergraduates 
in  the  College,  is  not  to  give  a  j)artial  education,  consisting  of  a 
fcvv'  branches  only  ;  nor,  on  the  other  hand,  to  give  a  superficial 
education,  containing  a  little  of  almost  every  thing;  nor  to  finish 
the  details  of  cither  a  professional  or  practical  education  ;  but  to 
commejice  a  thorough  course,  and  to  carry  it  as  far  as  the  time  of 
the  students'  residence  here  will  allow.     It  is  intended  to  main- 
tain such  a  proportion  between  the  diilerent  branches  oflitcrature 
and  science,  as  to  form  a  proper  symmetry  and  balance  oi  charac- 
ter.    In  laying  the  foundation  of  a  thorough  education,  it  is  ne- 
cessary that  all  the  important  faculties  be  brought  into  exercise. 
When  certain  mental  endowments  receive  a  much  higher  culture 
than  others,   there  is  a  distortion  in   the  intellectual  character. 
The  powers  of  the  mind  are  not  developed  in  their  fairest  propor- 
tions, by  studying  languages  alone,  or  mathematics  alone,  or  na- 
tural or  political  science  alone.     The  object,  in  the  proper  colle- 
giate department,  is  not  to  teach  that  which  is  peculiar  to  any  one 
of  the  professions  ;  but  to  lay  the  foundation  which  is  common  to 
them  all.     There  are  separate  schools  of  Medicine,  Law,  and 
Theology,  connected  with  the  College,  as  Afell  as  in  various  parts 
of  the  country,  which  are  open  to  all  who  are  prepared  to  enter 
on  professional  studies.     With  these,  the  undergraduate  course  is 
not  intended  to  interfere.     It  contains  those  subjects  only  which 
ought  to  be  understood  l)y  every  one  who  aims  at  a  thorough  edu- 
cation.    The  principles  of  science  and  literature,  are  the  com- 
mon foundation  of  all  high  intellectual  attainments.     They  give 
that  furniture,  and  discipline,  and  elevation  of  the  mind,  whicJi 
are  the  best  preparation  for  the  study  of  a  profession,   or  of  the 
operations  which  are  peculiar  to  the  higher  mercantile,  manufac- 
turing or  agricultural  establishments.  ^ 


229 

For  a  more  particular  view  of  the  plan  of  education  in  the  Col- 
lege, see  Report  on  the  Course  of  Instruction,  published  in  Vol, 
XV.  of  the  American  Journal  of  Science. 

The  Berkcleian  Premium,  of  about  forty-six  dollars  a  year,  is 
given  to  the  scholar  in  each  class  who  passes  the  best  examina- 
tion in  Latin  and  Greek  ;  provided  he  reside  as  a  graduate  in 
New  Haven,  one,  two,  or  three  years.  Premiums  arc  also  given 
for  Latin  and  English  composition,  and  for  declamation  in  public. 

There  are  two  public  examinations  of  the  classes  in  a  year, — 
one  in  May,  the  other  in  September, — which  are  continued  from 
four  to  six  days  each.  The  candidates  for  degrees  are  also  ex- 
amined at  the  close  of  their  course  of  study. 

There  are  three  vacations  in  a  year ;  one  of  six  weeks,  begin- 
ning at  Commencement,  the  second  Wednesday  in  September ; 
the  second,  two  weeks  from  the  second  Wednesday  in  .January ; 
and  the  third,  four  weeks  from  the  first  Wednesday  in  May. — No 
student  is  allowed  to  be  absent,  without  special  leave,  except  in 
vacations.  The  absence  of  a  student  in  term  time,  even  for  a  few 
days,  occasions  a  much  greater  injury  to  his  education,  than  is 
commonly  supposed  by  parents  and  guardians, 

PUBLIC  WORSHIP. 

Prayers  are  attended  in  the  College  Chapel  every  morning  and 
evening,  with  the  reading  of  the  Scriptures  ;  when  one  of  the 
Faculty  officiates,  and  all  the  students  are  required  to  be  present. 
They  are  also  required  to  attend  public  worship  in  the  Chapel  on 
the  Sabbath,  except  such  as  have  permission  to  attend  the  Epis- 
copal, or  other  congregations  in  town. 

EXPENSES. 

The  College  bills  are  made  out  by  the  Treasurer  and  Steward 
three  times  a  year,  at  the  close  of  each  term  ;  and  arc  presented 
to  the  students,  who  are  required  to  present  them  to  their  parents, 
guardians  or  patrons.  If  any  student  fails  to  comply  witli  this  re- 
quisition, he  is  not  permitted  to  recite  till  the  bills  are  paid. 

The  annual  charges  in  the  Treasurer's  bill  arc, — for  instruc- 
tion, $33  00;  for  rent  of  chamber  in  college,   from  C  to  12  dol- 


230 

]avs, — average,  $9  00  ;  for  ordinary  repairs  and  contingencies, 
^2  40  ;  for  general  damages,  sweeping,  &c.  about  $3  30  ;  for 
wood  for  recitation  rooms,  about  $1  30  :  total,  §49  00. 

Besides  this,  the  student  may  be  charged  for  damages  done  by 
liimself,  and  a  small  sum  for  printing  catalogues,  and  other  occa- 
sional expenses. 

Board  is  furnished  in  commons  by  the  Steward,  at  cost,  about 
$],60  a  week  ;  or  $64  a  year,  not  including  vacations.  It  varies, 
however,  with  the  price  of  provisions.  Wood  is  procured  by  the 
Corporation,  and  distributed  to  those  students  who  apply  for  it,  at 
cost  and  charges. 

The  students  provide  for  themselves  bed  and  bedding,  furniture 
for  their  rooms,  candles,  books,  stationary,  and  washing.  There 
are  also,  in  the  several  classes,  taxes  of  a  small  amount,  for  the 
fuel  in  the  recitations  rooms,  catalogues,  &c.  If  books  and  fur- 
niture are  sold,  when  the  student  has  no  further  n^essity  for 
them,  the  expense  incurred  by  their  use  will  not  be  great. 

The  following  may  be  considered  as  a  near  estim.ate  of  the 
necessary  expenses,  without  including  apparel,  pocket-money, 
traveling,  and  board  in  vacations. 

Treasurer's  bill,  as  above,  $49  ;  board  in  commons,  40  weeks, 
from  $60  to  $70  ;  fuel  and  light,  from  $8  to  $16  ;  use  of  books 
recited,  and  stationary,  from  $5  to  $15  ;  use  of  furniture,  bed,  and 
bedding,  from  $5  to  $15  ;  washing,  from  $8  to  $18  ;  taxes  in  the 
classes,  &c.  from  $5  to  $7  :  total,  from  $140  to  $190. 

No  students  are  permitted  to  take  lodgings  in  town  except 
when  the  rooms  in  College  arc  not  sufficient  to  acommodate  all. 

Students  who  wait  in  the  Hall,  are  allowed  their  board  ;  and 
those  who  occupy  the  recitation  rooms,  sai^e  their  room  rent  and 
fuel  in  winter,  and  receive  a  small  compensation  in  summer.  A 
cheap  boarding  house  is  opened  under  the  direction  of  the  Stew- 
ard, for  those  students  who  wish  to  boai-d  at  a  lower  rate  than  it 
is  furnished  in  commons.  The  price  of  board  here,  is  about 
$1,25. 

By  a  resolve  of  the  Corporation,  a  sum  not  exceeding  one 
thousand  dollars  a  year,  is  appropriated  to  the  relief  of  indigent 
students,  and  the  encouragement  of  merit. 


231 

Notes  of  the  several  incorporated  banks  in  this  State,  and  such 
other  notes  as  are  taken  by  the  banks  in  the  city  of  New  Haven, 
are  received  in  payment  of  the  bills.  Drafts  on  New  York,  Phil- 
adelphia, and  Boston,  are  received  without  discount.  Money  or 
drafts  to  pay  the  Treasurer's  and  Steward's  bill,  may  be  transmit- 
ted directly  to  Stephen  Twining,  Esq.  who  is  Steward  and  As- 
sistant Treasurer. 

With  regard  to  apparel,  and  what  is  called  pocket-money,  no 
general  estimate  can  be  made.  These  are  the  articles  in  which 
the  expenses  of  individuals  difTer  most ;  and  in  which  some  are 
unwarrantably  extravagant.  There  is  nothing  by  which  the  char- 
acter and  scholarship  of  the  students  at  this  College  are  more  en- 
dangered, than  by  a  free  indulgence  in  the  use  of  money.  Great 
caution  with  regard  to  this,  is  requisite  on  the  part  of  parents. 
What  is  more  than  sufficient  to  defray  the  ordinary  expenses,  will 
expose  the  student  to  numerous  temptations  ;  and  will  not  con- 
tribute either  to  his  respectability,  or  happiness. 

As  a  precaution  against  extravagance,' parents  at  a  distance  fre- 
quently deposit  funds  with  some  one  of  the  Faculty  ;  who,  in 
that  case,  pays  a  particular  attention  to  the  pecuniary  concerns  of 
the  student,  settles  his  bills,  corresponds  with  the  parent,  trans- 
mits an  account  of  the  expenditures,  &c.  for  which  he  charges  a 
commission. 

A  person  admitted  to  an  advanced  standing,  unless  coming 
from  another  College,  pays  a  sum  to  the  Treasurer,  equal  to  the 
tuition  money,  which  has  been  paid  by  others  of  the  class  which 
he  enters. 

THE  THEOLOGICAL  DEPARTMENT. 

The  Instructors  in  the  Theological  Department  are  a  Professor 
of  Didactic  Theology,  a  Professor  of  Sacred  Literature,  and  the 
Professors  of  Divinity  and  of  Rhetoric  in  the  classical  department 
of  the  College. 

The  whole  course  of  instruction  occupies  three  years  ;  and  llic 
students  arc  divided  into  Junior,  Middle  and  Senior  classes. 

The  time  of  admission  is  at  the  commencement  of  the  first  col- 
legiate term.     The  terms  and  vacations  arc  (he  same  with  (hose 


232 

ill  the  College.  The  conditions  for  entrance  are  hopeful  piety, 
and  a  Hberal  education  at  some  College,  unless  the  candidate  have 
otherwise  qualified  himself  for  pursuing  advantageously  the  pre- 
scribed course  of  studies. 

No  charges  arc  made  for  the  tuition  and  lectures. 

No  funds  have  as  yet  been  granted  to  this  department  for  de- 
fraying the  expenses  of  indigent  students. 

Board  may  be  obtained  in  private  families  at  from  $1  35  to 
$1   75  per  week. 

THE  LAW  SCHOOL. 

The  Law  School  is  under  the  direction  of  the  Hon.  David 
Daggett,  LL.  D.  a  Judge  of  the  Supreme  Court  in  Connecticut, 
and  Professor  of  Law  ;  and  Samuel  J.  Hitchcock,  Esq.  Attorney 
and  Covmsellor  at  Law. 

The  students  are  required  to  peruse  the  most  important  ele- 
mentary treatises,  and  are  daily  examined  on  the  author  they  are 
reading,  and  receive  at  the  same  time  explanations  and  illustra- 
tions of  the  subject  they  are  studying. 

A  course  of  lectures  is  delivered  by  the  Professor  of  Law,  on 
all  the  titles  and  subjects  of  Common  and  Statute  Law. 

A  Moot  Court  is  holden  once  a  week,  or  oftener,  which  employs 
the  students  in  drawing  pleadings  and  investigating  and  arguing 
questions  of  law. 

The  students  are  called  upon  from  time  to  time,  to  draw  decla- 
rations, pleadings,  contracts,  and  other  instruments,  connected 
with  the  jiraclice  of  law,  and  to  do  the  most  important  duties  of 
an  Attorney's  Clerk. 

They  are  occasionally  required  to  Mrite  disquisitions  on  some 
topic  of  law,  and  collect  the  authorities  to  support  their  opinions. 

The  students  are  furnished  with  the  use  of  the  elementary  books 
and  have  access,  at  all  times,  to  the  College  Libraries,  and  to  a 
Law  Library,  comprising  every  important  work,  both  ancient  and 
modern. 

The  terms  for  tuition  are  $75  per  annum.  The  course  of  study- 
occupies  two  years,  allowing  eight  weeks  vacation  each  year. 
Students  arc  however  received  for  a  shorter  period. 


233 

The  Professor  of  Law  will  also  for  the  present,  ocrasionally  de- 
liver Lectures  to  the  Senior  class  in  College,  until  arrangements 
are  made  for  a  systematic  course  to  be  permanently  continued. 

THE  MEDICAL  INSTITUTION. 

The  Instructors  of  the  Medical  Institution,  arc  a  Professor  of 
Anatomy  and  Physiology,  a  Professor  of  Surgei-y,  a  Professor  of 
Obstetrics,  a  Professor  of  Chemistry  and  Pharmacy,  a  Professor 
of  the  Theory  and  Practice  of  Physic,  and  a  Professor  of  Materia 
Medica,  Botany  and  Therapeutics. 

The  Lectures  commence  six  weeks  from  the  Commencement, 
which  is  always  on  the  second  Wednesday  of  September,  and 
terminate  the  last  week  in  February  or  the  first  in  March.  During 
the  course  from  65  to  100  Lectures  are  given  by  each  Professor. 

The  students  have  access  to  the  lectures  on  Natural  Philosophy 
on  paying  the  fees  of  the  course,  and  they  may  attend  the  lectures 
on  Mineralogy  and  Geology  without  charge.  The  examination 
for  licences  and  degrees  is  held  immediately  after  the  close  of  the 
lectures. 

The  Institution  is  furnished  with  a  Library  and  an  Anatomical 
Museum.  The  students  have  access  also  to  the  Library  of  the 
College,  and  to  the  Cabinet  of  Minerals. 

The  fees,  which  are  paid  in  advance,  arc  twelve  dollars  and  fifty 
cents  for  each  course.  The  Matriculation  fee  and  contingent  bill 
are  seven  dollars  and  fifty  cents.  The  entire  expense  of  a  resi- 
dence of  four  months,  through  the  course,  including  fees  and  all 
expenses,  except  clothing,  is  from  120  to  150  dollars. 


SECTION    V. 


SOCIETIES    AND    LIBRARIES    ATTACHED    TO    THE   INSTITUTION. 

Societies  for  the  particular  cultivation  and  advancement  of 
favorite  branches  of  science,  are  the  natural  growth  of  Literary 
Institutions  ;  and  if  organized  with  wisdom  and  conducted  with 

30 


234 

l-iudencc,  niuloiiblodly  toii.l  gieatl}-  to  promote  tlie  cause  ol 
learning.  Some  of  (lie  most  beautiful  and  finished  compositions 
in  our  lanffuago,  lia\  o  been  the  fruits  of  such  associations  ;  and  as 
long  as  the  works  of  Addison  and  Steele  and  Johnson  are  regard- 
ed, associations  for  such  purposes  will  continue  to  receive  favor 
and  support.  But  literary  clubs  formed  in  mature  life,  cannot  be 
considered  as' models  for  the  guidance  of  students.  The  objects 
of  the  first,  are,  to  collect  the  fruits  of  learning,  for  public  im- 
provement ;  of  the  last,  to  advance  individual  knowledge,  by 
social  intercourse. 

Yale  College,  in  common  with  the  other  literary  institutions  of 
the  country,  has  several  of  these  societies. 

The  first  in  rank,  is  tlie  "  Connecticut  Alpha  of  the  <!>.  B.  K." 
Tt  was  organized  by  charter  from  the  Alpha  of  Virginia,  Novem- 
ber 13,  1780.  The  class  that  was  graduated  in  the  year  1781 
furnished  the  first  members  of  this  society.  Membership  is  be- 
stowed as  a  reward  of  good  scholarship  and  character.  As  tlie 
proceedings  of  the  society,  except  on  their  anniversaries,  are  not 
public,  it  is  impossible  to  ascertain  how  far  they  have  advanced 
the  cause  of  learning.  This  association  does  not  terminate  with 
the  collegiate  course,  but  exists  during  the  lives  of  members. 
Their  public  contributions  to  literature  usually  consist  of  an  Ora- 
tion and  Poem,  delivered  by  members  appointed  in  the  antece- 
dent year,  at  the  time  of  the  Commencement  celebration. 

Some  objections  have  been  made  to  the  primary  principle  on 
which  this  Society  is  leased  ;  and  it  has  been  thought  by  man)-, 
that  the  distinctions  of  youthful  rivalry,  should  not  be  per- 
petuated through  life.  Another  Society  of  a  general  character, 
called  "  the  Society  of  the  Alumni,"  obviates  this  objection.  Its 
origin  is  traced  to  the  laudable  desire,  on  the  part  of  the  Gradu- 
ates of  the  University,  to  create  a  fund,  that  might  avert  the  evils 
resulting  from  the  failure  of  the  Eagle  Bank,  and  provide  the 
means  for  more  extensive  instruction.  This  Society  also  has  oc- 
casionally an  Orator,  and  as  it  embraces  all  ages  and  ranks,  so 
lects  those  of  mature  years  and  of  the  highest  endoAvments. 

As  connected  more  immediately  with  the  studies  of  the  Uni- 
versity, the  Societies  of  the  Students  are  the  most  important. 


They  are  three  in  miinbcr :  the  Li/io/iia/i,  the  Brothers  in 
Unity,  and  the  CaUiopcan.  TJicir  meetings  and  orilinary  [)ro- 
cccdings  are  private,  but  are  .strictly  confined  to  literary  pursuits, 
and  chiefly  to  discassions  on  scientific  questions.  Whether  the 
Masonic  secrecy  required  of  members  is  a  valuable  feature  in 
these  Societies,  may,  perhaps,  be  a  matter  of  doubt  :  it  probably 
was  adopted  with  a  view  to  inspire  confidence  in  literary  exer- 
tions, and  as  a  shield  for  the  modesty  of  young  gentlemen,  who 
might  act  with  confidence  before  their  friends,  but  would  shrink 
under  the  appreliension  of  public  criticism.  All  these  Societies 
have  valuable  Libraries,  which  are  hereafter  noted.  They  have 
been  the  gradual  accumulations  of  many  years,  from  small  taxes 
imposed  on  the  members,  and  probably,  in  operative  value  on 
the  pursuits  of  the  Undergraduates,  are  more  important  than  the 
General  Library  of  the  College. 

The  General  Library  of  the  College  consists  of  about  10,000 
volumes,  exclusive  of  pamphlets,  comprising,  a  very  valualile 
collection  of  ancient  ecclesiastical  works,  and  the  other  books 
are  in  general,  well  selected,  rare,  and  valuable. 

The  Society  Libraries  are  composed  of  works  of  a  less  scien- 
tific, but,  perhaps,  more  practical  character  than  the  General  Li- 
brary. They  embrace  all  ihe  leading  publications  in  polite  Eng- 
lish literature. 

The  Linonian  Library  consists  of  3,300  volumes.  The  Library 
of  the  Brothers  in  Unity  comprises  3,000  volumes."  The  Callio- 
pean  Society,  which  is  of  comparatively  recent  formation,  has 
made  a  collection  of  2,910  volumes. 

In  addition  to  the  above  Libraries,  there  is  a  collection  of 
books  belonging  to  the  Moral  Society,  consisting  of  5  or  600 
volumes.  The  aggregate  of  books  in  the  several  Libraries, 
amount  to  nearly  20,000  volumes. 

In  the  cultivation  of  a  just  taste  for  composition,  in  aiding  the 
students  in  investigations  relating  to  subjects  of  academic  dispu- 


*  A  manuscript  Catalogue  of  the  books  in  these  two  I^ibraries,  compiled  iu 
tlic  year  1780,  has  been  exhibited  to  the  audior,  by  a  gentleman  who  Ihcii 
acted  as  Librarian  of  the  Brothers  in  Unity.  Their  Library  then  conlaincd 
163  volumes  ;  the  Library  of  the  Linonian  Society  contained,  at  the  sainr 
time,  152  volujnes. 


*^ 


236 

tation,  and  in  supplying  their  hours  of  leisure  with  the  best  means 
of  gratification,  these  Societies  and  Libraries  have  proved  highly- 
important,  and  have  uniformly  received  the  encouragement  of 
the  Faculty. 


SECTION   VI. 


APPARATUS. 

Chemical  Laboratory  of  Yale  College.  % 

Since  April  1804,  chemistry  has  constituted  a  distinct  bi-anch 
of  academical  education  in  Yale  College,  and  since  October  1800, 
full  courses  of  lectures  with  the  appropriate  experiments  have 
been  given  in  the  Institution.  The  Laboratory  first  constructed, 
although  in  many  respects,  a  convenient  establishment,  Avas,  from 
its  being  an  under  ground  room,  not  sufficiently  light,  and  wassub- 
ject  to  much  dampness.  To  obviate  these  inconveniences,  as  well 
as  to  secure  some  important  additional  advantages,  the  establish- 
ment was  in  the  summer  of  1820  broken  up,  and  removed  to  a 
building  fitted  expressly  for  its  reception.  This  building  had  been 
occupied  as  a  refectory  for  the  students,  but  having  been  freed 
from  that  use,  has  proved  adequate  to  afford  every  accomodation 
demanded  in  a  Philosophical  Laboratory. 

The  building  is  ninety  feet  long,  thirty  feet  wide,  and  one  and  a 
half  story  high,  but  a  steep  roof  affords  an  elevation  of  eighteen 
and  a  half  feet,  for  the  lecture  room. 

The  Lecture  room  is  sixty  feet  long,  including  the  space  around 
the  Lecturer,  devoted  to  the  fixtures,  tables,  furnaces,  chimneys, 
&c.  This  space  occupies  twenty  feet  of  the  sixty,  and  the  re- 
mainder is  filled  with  benches,  which  rise  so  rapidly,  that  no  per- 
son has  any  thing  to  intercept  his  view.  This  room  is  arched, 
and  its  greatest  elevation  is  eighteen  and  a  half  feet,  the  versed 
sine  of  the  arc  is  eight  and  a  half  feet,  and  the  highest  bench  is 
a  little  below  the  chord-line. 

There  is  an  abundant  supply  of  light,  and  at  the  same  time  the 
room  is  easily  darkened.     Over  the  Lecturer's  head,   tliere  is  a 


237 

sky-light  and  ventilator,   communicating  directly  with  the   open 
air,  and  a  screen  impedes  the  fumes  from  passing  to  the  audience. 

There  are  two  large  chimneys  facing  the  audience,  and  having 
a  circuit  completely  around  them,  so  that  access  is  obtained  in 
the  easiest  manner  to  all  the  furnaces  and  fire  jjlaces. 

In  this  part  of  the  establishment,  it  was  intended  to  embrace 
every  important  convenience  contained  in  the  best  philosophical 
laboratories,  and  with  this  view,  particular  reference  was  had  to 
some  of  the  best  London  Laboratories,  e.  g,  that  of  the  Royal 
Institution,  of  the  Surry  Institution,  of  Mr.  Pepys,  &c.,  also  to 
those  peculiar  structures  and  improvements,  which  experience' 
had  suggested  to  the  person  charged  with  the  construction  of 
this  laboratory. 

The  two  chimneys  contain,  each,  nine  distinct  flues,  eighteen 
in  the  whole ;  which  are  carried  out  without  any  connection  be- 
tween ihcm,  quite  to  the  top  of  the  chimnies ;  thus  aftording  an 
elevation  of  about  thirty  three  or  thirty  four  feet.  Of  the  eigh- 
teen flues,  three  are  closed  with  movable  stoppers  and  held  in  re- 
serve, for  occasional  uses  to  be  connected  with  portable  furnaces, 
&-C. ;  others  are  employed  for  stoves,  &c.  to  warm  the  room 
and  for  other  purposes :  one  is  devoted  to  the  forge  bellows 
which  are  in  the  chamber,  being  worked  by  a  cord  and  dis- 
charging their  air  through  a  descending  tube  ;  one  is  connected 
with  a  fixed  boiler  and  distillery ;  one  receives  the  tube  of  a 
Black's  Furnace  ;  three  give  vent  to  fixed  brick  furnaces  for  high 
heats  ;  two  arc  for  receiving  the  air  in  evaporation,  deflagra- 
tions, &c. ;  one  discharges  the  vapor  of  the  great  boiler  when 
not  used  in  distillation,  and  tvv^o  springing  from  a. cavity  shaped 
like  a  common  fire  place,  are  provided  for  carrying  ofi'  the  fumes, 
gases  and  eflluvia,  which  are  so  often  extricated  from  chcuiical 
vessels. 

The  end  of  the  room,  opposite  to  the  class,  is  covered  with 
glass  cases  mounted  on  drawers  for  the  reception  of  apparatus, 
&c.  and  behind  these  are  ample  closets.  Below^,  is  a  cellar, 
and  above,  a  lumber  garret  and  a  large  room  for  apparatus,  6cci 
Ik'hiiid  the  lecture  room  arc  two  olllces  with  distinct  entrance  ;^. 
r'ontiguous  to   these   is  a  work   room  twenty  feet  by  sc\  ciilceii. 


23S 

With  a  pump,  a  large  Jirc  place,  Ibrge  lieartli,  and  other  accoui- 
modations  intended  as  a  room  for  coarse  work  and  cleaning,  and 
for  stowing  away  apparatus.  There  is  also  a  small  room,  lilted 
up  with  a  work  bench,  tools,  &c.  for  mechanical  operations,  con- 
nected with  practical  chemistry.  On  trial,  the  new  arrange- 
ments arc  found  to  answer  every  expectation. 

The  chemical  apparatus  is  extensiv'c  and  various,  comprehend- 
ing all  the  instruments  necessary  to  the  illustration  both  of  the 
theory  and  practice  of  chemistry.  A  diliiculty  which  existed 
twenty  five  years  ago  is  now  in  a  great  measure  removed.  It  is 
no  longer  necessary  to  incur  the  delay  of  sending  to  Europe  for 
most  articles  of  chemical  apparatus.  Glass  in  particular,  which 
is  liable  to  considerable  waste  in  chemical  experiments,  is  now 
easily  replaced  in  our  principal  cities,  nearly  all  of  which,  as 
well  as  many  smaller  places,  contain  glass  houses,  and  among 
them  there  are  artists  who  fabricate  adroitly  every  article  of  chem- 
ical apparatus. 

Most  of  the  chemical  instruments  that  are  made  of  metals,  or 
of  metals  and  glass  united,   are  easily  obtained  in  this  country,     - 
and  our  mechanics  are  patient  and  skillful  in  constructing  almost  »  , 
every  thing  of  peculiar  forms  adapted  to  particular  researches      « 
and  experiments.* 

The  laboratory  has  a  very  large  hydro-pneumatic  cistern,  am! 
also  a  spacious  one  filled  with  mercury  to  bo  used  for  gases  that 
are  absorbed  by  water. 

Thci'c  is  also  an  apparatus  for  the  compound  or  hydro-oxygen 
blow  pipe  of  Dr.  Hare.  The  gases  are  in  separate  vessels,  hav- 
ing no  connexion  except  through  the  capillary  point  where  they 
are  kindled.  Each  containing  vessel  is  of  the  capacity  of  twenty 
five  gallons. 

The  Galvanic  Apparatus  is  extensive. 

The  Cruickshank  troughs  contain  between  six  and  seven  hun- 
dred pairs  of  plates  of  four  and  six  inches.  There  is  a  large  Ca- 
lorimotor,  and  an  extensive  Dellagrator  invented  and  constructetl 
by  Dr.  Hare,  besides  an  Electrical  Column  of  De  Luc,  and  a  Gal- 
vanic Multiplier  of  Schweigger. 

*  Witness  tlie  numerous  iiislrunients  of  Dr.  Hare  as  described  iu  his  Com 
pendiuui,  and  in  the  Auierican  Journal  of  Science  and  Arts. 


239 

Tlio  Cialvanic  Magnet  ol'  Prof.  Henry  of  Albany  exceeds  any 
ih'mg  lliatlias  been  elsewhere  constructeil.  With  a  galvanir  coil 
of  metal,  requiring  only  a  fcAv  qnarts  of  acidulated  water  for  its 
immersion,  it  lifts^  more  than  2000  ll)s.  although  it  weighs  less 
than  60  lbs.   and  is  made  of  soft  iron. 

The  laboratory  is  furnished  with  all  the  tests  and  reagents  as 
well  as  consumable  articles  and  chemical  specimens,  necessary 
to  a  full  and  detailed  exhibition  of  the  science,  which  is  gone 
tlivoMirh  everv  winter  in  a  four  months  course. 


ORIGIN    OF    THE    CABINET    OF    MINERALOGY     AND    GEOLOGV. 

There  existed,  previous  to  the  year  1802,  a  small  collection 
of  miscellaneous  curiosities,  among  which  were  a  few  objects  of 
Natural  History;  but  as  very  little  was  known  concerning  their 
nature  at  that  early  period  in  this  country,  and  as  they  were  al- 
together too  few  in  number  to  attract  much  interest  in  the  way 
of  study,  the  college  consented  to  loan  the  entire  collection, 
except  the  minerals,  to  the  Columbian  INIuseum  of  New  Haven, 
then  owned  by  Mr.  John  Mix.  After  his  death,  the  collection 
thus  loaned,  was  sold  along  with  the  general  museum.  The 
articles  lost,  however,  are  said  not  to  have  possessed  much 
value.  The  minerals,  still  left  in  the  possession  of  the  college, 
were  M'ithout  names  and  unarranged ;  and  the  extent  of  the 
collection  may  be  judged  of  from  the  fact,  that  the  gentleman 
who  was  appointed  Professor  of  this  department  in  the  year 
following,  took  the  entire  cabinet  in  a  common  sized  candle- 
box  along  with  him  to  Philadelphia  for  the  purpose  of  learn- 
ing their  names  from  the  then,  almost  solitary  individual  in  the 
country  who  made  any  pretensions  to  mineralogical  science.* 
This  little  collection  may  be  regarded  as  the  nucleus  of  the 
Yale  College  cabinet.     Professor  Silliman  immcdiatclv  engaged 


*  The   gentlemen  alluded   to,   wa.«  the   late   Dr.  Aduni  Sevhort.   who   had 
studied  mineralogy  under  AVerner. 


240  • 

in  the  collection  of  h^pccimcns,  antl  on  his  return  from  England 
was  able  to  make  a  very  important  addition  to  the  college  cabi- 
net, consisting  mostly  of  fluors,  ores  of  tin,  lead  and  copper  from 
Derbyshire  and  Cornwall,  and  of  agates,  zeolites,  and  salts  of 
lead  from  Scotland.  The  collection,  however,  still  remained 
very  deficient  in  species,  and  almost  incompetent  for  the  purposes 
of  instruction  until  1807,  when  the  college  purchased  of  Mr. 
Benjamin  D.  Perkins,  for  the  sum  of  one  thousand  dollars,  a  cabi- 
net of  about  two  thousand  specimens  which  that  gentleman 
had  bought  in  London.  The  specimens  of  which  it  consisted 
were  small,  but  well  chosen  ;  and  included  the  majority  of  the 
species  at  that  time  known.  This  accession  proved  of  great  con- 
sequence by  promoting  a  taste  for  the  science  in  the  institution, 
and  in  preparing  the  Avay  for  the  splendid  addition  of  the  Gibbs 
cabinet,  which  was  made  in  the  year  1810. 

The  great  cabinet  of  Col.  Gibbs,  and  which  consisted  of  about 
ten  thousand  specimens,  Avas  formed  by  that  gentleman  during  a 
residence  of  several  years  in  diflerent  parts  of  Europe.  *rhe 
catalogues  and  papers  which  accompany  this  collection  show, 
that  it  was  formed  almost  exclusively  by  three  separate  purcha- 
ses ;  one,  made  at  Lausanne  in  Switzerland,  another  at  Paris, 
and  the  third  in  London. 

The  collection  purchased  in  Switzerland,  was  made  by  Count 
Razamousky,  a  Russian  nobleman,  who  had  lived  for  many  years 
in  retirement  at  Lausanne,  where  he  devoted  himself  to  miner- 
alogical  pursuits,  in  the  society  cf  the  celebrated  Prof.  Struve 
and  other  mineralogists  of  that  neighborhood.  At  length,  how- 
ever, being  desirous  of  returning  to  his  country,  he  offered  his 
cabinet  for  sale,  and  Col.  Gibbs  became  the  purchaser.  This  col- 
lection, from  its  richness  in  Russian  and  Siberian  minerals,  form- 
ed a  very  precious  part  of  the  Gibbs  cabinet.  It  was  also  well 
furnished  with  the  mineral  productions  of  Saxony  and  Dauphiny, 
and  embraced  a  valuable  suite  of  volcanic  specimens  from  the 
environs  of  Padua  in  Italy,  and  the  borders  of  the  Rhine  in 
Gei-many. 

The  French  collection,  however,  constituted  by  (txr  the  most 
valuable  portion  of  this  cabinet.     It  was  made  by  M.  Gigot 


241 

d'Orcy,  one  of  Uie  farmers  general  under  Louis  XVI,  a  man  of 
great  opulence,  and  who  fell  a  victim  to  the  guillotine  during 
the  French  revolution.  Its  formation  occupied  him  for  forty 
years  ;  and  was  the  result  of  great  expense,  numerous  travels, 
and  an  extensive  correspondence.  The  number  of  pieces  in 
the  collection  was  rising  of  four  thousand  ;  the  majority  of 
which  were  obtained  in  France  and  the  neighboring  countries. 
It  embraced  also  a  valuable  collection  of  rocks  and  fossils  from 
Egypt,  Franconia,  Maestricht,  Grignon  and  Courtagnon.  The 
mineralogical  part  of  the  collection  was  well  arranged,  and  sci- 
entifically and  minutely  described.  In  this  condition,  the  entire 
cabinet  was  purchased  of  the  brother  of  M.  Gijot  d'Orcy  by  Col. 
Gibbs. 

The  third  division  of  the  Gibbs  cabinet  was  furnished  by  the 
Count  de  Bournon,  which  consisted  chiefly  of  English  minerals 
and  of  gems  from  the  East  Indies ;  the  latter  derived,  for  the 
most  part,  from  the  duplicates  of  the  celebrated  Grenville  col- 
lection, afterwards  bought  by  the  British  museum. 

The  cabinet  of  Col.  Gibbs  arrived  in  Newport  in  the  year  1807, 
and  having  been  in  part  opened  in  that  town,  Prof.  Silliman  was 
from  time  to  time,  allowed  access  to  it;  and  on  the  return  of  the 
owner  during  the  following  year  an  acquaintance  between  these 
gentlemen  was  formed,  which  led  eventuallj'  to  the  removal  of 
the  collection  to  New  Haven.  It  was  the  original  design  of  Col. 
Gibbs  to  open  his  cabinet  for  the  public  benefit  in  Boston,  or  at 
Harvard  College  in  its  immediate  vicinity  ;  but  his  proposals  to 
that  community  not  having  met  with  the  reception  he  looked  for, 
he  was  induced  in  the  year  1810  to  make  the  ofier  of  opening 
one  division  of  it  in  Yale  College,  provided  the  college  would 
be  at  the  expense  of  furnishing  proper  accommodations  for  its 
reception.  The  proposal  was  immediately  acceded  to ;  and  the 
two  contiguous  rooms  in  the  north  end  of  the  south  middle  col- 
lege, in  the  second  story,  were  made  into  one, — thus  forming  a 
gallery  of  about  forty  feet  by  eighteen,  having  both  sides  lined 
with  upright,  glazed  cases.  The  portion  of  the  cabinet  opened 
consisted  of  the  collection  of  M.  G.  d'Orcy.  The  impression 
upon  the  public  mind,  and  especially  upon  the  students,  in  favor 

31 


i  242 

of  mineralogy,  produced  by  this  brilliant  exhibition,  was  so  grat- 
ifying to  Col.  Gibbsi,  that  in  1812  he  brought  the  remainder  of 
the  collection  to  New  Haven,  for  which  the  college  provided  a 
reception  by  uniting  the  two  adjoining  rooms  and  connecting 
them  with  the  first  formed  gallery  by  a  continuation  across  the 
entry  ;  so  that  the  entire  apartment  was  now  about  one  hundred 
feet  in  length.  "" 

The  collection  remained  in  this  room  till  1820,  when  it  was  re- 
moved to  the  more  spacious  accommodations,  which  it  at  present 
occupies.  In  1825,  it  was  purchased  of  Col.  Gibbs  at  the  price 
of  twenty  thousand  dollars  ;*  of  which  sum  the  officers  of  Yale 
College  and  the  citizens  of  New  Haven  contributed  ten  thousand 
dollars,  the  citizens  of  New  York  three  thousand  dollars,  the 
alumni  of  South  Carolina,  seven  hundred  dollars,  and  an  individ- 
ual, five  hundred  dollars. f 

Besides  the  collections  above  described,  there  has  been  an  ad- 
dition of  from  two  to  three  thousand  specimens,  chiefly  domestic, 
made  by  donations,  exchange,  and  purchase.  Among  the  prin- 
cipal donors,  may  be  mentioned  Prof.  Silliman  and  Col.  Gibbs  ; 
to  whom  the  cabinet  owes  a  large  number  of  valuable  articles  in 
geology  and  mineralogy,  and  several  meteoric  stones.  Prof. 
Olmsted  also  made  a  donation  of  specimens,  illustrative  of  the 
geology  and  mineralogy  of  North  Carolina.  Of  foreign  rocks 
and  minerals,  the  contributions  of  Capt.  Hull,  Mr.  George  Jones, 
Mr.  Oliver,  Mr.  Maclurc,  and  the  American  missionaries  in  the 
Sandwich  Islands,  Palestine  and  Greece,  have  been  the  most  im- 
portant. Small  collections  of  newly  discovered  minerals  have, 
from  time  to  time,  been  purchased,  or  obtained  by  exchange  from 
the  Comptoir  des  Mineraux  at  Heidelberg,  and  lately  an  exten- 
sive suite  of  English  and  European  rocks  was  procured  of  Mr. 
Robert  Bakewell  of  London. 

*  A  sum  which  cannot  be  considered  exorbitant  when  we  consider  the  ex- 
tent and  rarity  of  the  collection,  and  that  the  institution  had  enjoyed  the  use 
of  it  for  so  many  years  gratuitously  ;  and  besides  the  owner  had  sustained  the 
expense  of  its  transportation  from  Newport  to  New  Haven  and  of  its  insur- 
ance while  there. 

\  These  subscriptions  are  alluded  to  in  the  inscriptions  over  the  cases  in  the 
cabinet. 


243 

Descriptive  sketch  of  the  Mineral  Cabinet. 

In  endeavoring  to  give  such  a  sketch  of  the  contents  of  thia 
collection  as  shall  assist  the  reader  to  form  a  general  idea  of  its 
character,  we  shall  pass  over  a  considerable  number  of  species 
in  silence,  and  confine  our  observations  to  such  only  as  are  amonar 
the  most  striking  for  the  variety,  size  and  beauty  of  the  speci- 
mens by  which  they  are  illustrated. 

QUARTZ. 

Rock  crystals,  magnificent  for  their  dimensions,  perfection, 
variety  of  form,  and  for  their  transparency  ;  single  and  group- 
ed ;  from  Switzerland,  Dauphiny,  Piedmont  and  Savoy :  also, 
a  large,  rolled  pebble  from  Madagascar.  Splendid  crystalli- 
zations of  smoky  quartz  ;  and  dark  violet  blue  amethyst  from 
Siberia,  with  numerous  specimens  of  various  shades  of  violet- 
blue,  from  a  dark  purple  to  a  light  rose,  forming  veins  in  common 
quartz  and  inclosed  in  agate  balls  from  Hungary,  Hartz  and 
Bohemia.  In  crystals,  penetrated  by  foreign  substances,  as  chlo- 
rite or  steatite,  and  oxide  of  iron ;  the  former  of  various  shades 
of  green,  the  latter  red  or  yellow  (Compostella  hyacinth  or  iron- 
flint)  :  also  in  masses  containing  native,  capillary  copper,  and 
silver,  fibres  of  amianthus,  (Cats-eye,)  minute  scales  of  mica, 
(Avanturine,)  and  crystals,  of  epidote  and  rutile.  Chalcedony, 
crystallized,  of  a  smalt  blue  color,  from  Tresztyan  in  Transylva- 
nia ;  also  white,  in  stalactitic  and  reniform  shapes  from  Iceland, 
the  Faroe  Islands,  Hiittenberg  in  Carinthia,  Hungary,  and  Corn- 
wall ;  in  red  colors  (Carnelian,)  from  India  ;  of  an  apple-green 
color  from  the  oxide  of  nickel  (Chrysoprase,)  from  Silesia;  of  a 
leek-green  color,  (Plasma,)  of  a  dark  leek-green,  with  blood-red 
spots,  (Heliotrope,)  compact,  and  containing  clay  and  oxides  of 
iron,  (Jasper,)  striped,  banded,  Egyptian,  red  and  green  from  Sax- 
ony, Silesia,  and  the  banks  of  the  Nile.  Woodstones,  or  agatized 
wood,  and  agates  of  every  variety,  as  ribbon,  brecciated,  fortifica- 
tion, moss,  eyed,  jasper,  clouded,  petrifaction,  &c.  &c.  from  all  the 
celebrated  localities  in  the  world.  Of  the  specimens  enumerated 
above,  several  hundred  are  cut  and  polished ;  among  which  a  por- 
tion of  an   agatized   tree,   which  is  cut  transversely,   and  which 


244 

shows  its  bark  and  the  concentric  and  diverging  layers  of  the 
lignin,  has  been  much  admired.  The  number  of  specimens  in 
this  species  probably  exceeds  one  thousand. 

OPAL. 

Of  the  precious  variety  from  Czerwenitza  in  Hungar\>  three 
or  four  good  pieces  may  be  seen  in  their  natural  condition  ;  and 
of  the  common  kinds,  an  extensive  suite  from  other  parts  of  the 
same,  and  of  adjoining  countries  ;  also,  the  rich  red  Wood-opal 
from  Transylvania,  the  Menilite  from  near  Paris  in  France,  and 
the  Hyalite  of  Bohemia  and  Hungary. 

EMPYRODOX     QUARTZ. 

Several  large  and  handsome  pieces  of  Obsidian  from  Iceland, 
Pitchstone  from  Meissen  in  Saxony,  and  Pearlstone  from  Hun- 
gary and  Spain. 

CARBONATE    OF    LIME. 

Several  hundred  crystallized  specimens  of  this  interesting  spe- 
cies, offering  nearly  as  many  varieties  of  form ;  distinguished 
also  by  the  size  and  neatness  of  the  pieces  ;  from  the  mines  of 
the  Hartz,  of  Derbyshire,  and  of  Dauphiny.  Among  the  col- 
lection are  two  pieces  of  the  Iceland,  or  double  refracting  spar, 
remarkable  for  their  volume  and  transparency  :  also,  many  hun- 
dred pieces  of  uncrystallized  carbonate  of  lime,  chiefly  marbles, 
and  which  are  handsomely  polished  ;  these  last  from  the  southern 
countries  of  Europe  and  Africa.  Likewise  several  enormous 
groups  of  the  crystallized  Fontainbleau  sandstone.  ^' 

ARRAGONITE. 

Very  delicate  crystallizations  of  this  species  from  Offenbanya 
in  Transylvania,  the  Hartz,  England,  Clignancourt  near  Paris, 
Spain,  and  particularly  of  the  flos-ferri,  or  coralloidal  variety 
from  Stiria. 

FLUOR. 

About  two  hundred  specimens,  chiefly  from  England  and  Ger- 
many, consisting  of  numerous  crystallizations,  magnificent  on 
account  of  the  dimensions  of  the  crystals  and  the  variety  of  forms 
and  colors  tlicy  present.  A  large  number  of  the  massive  varie- 
ties have  been  cut  and  polished. 


245 

APATITE. 

Numerous,  and  well  crystallized  specimens  from  Cabo  de  Gata 
in  Spain,  Salzburg,  St.  Gothard,  and  the  tin  mines  of  England 
and  Bohemia. 

GYPSCM. 

In  a  large  number  of  specimens,  among  which  are  observable, 
beside  the  common  varieties,  the  lenticular  and  macled  crystal, 
called  the  "  arrow-head,"  and  groups  of  long,  slender  and  trans- 
parent crystals,  of  extreme  delicacy,  from  Chremnitz  in  Hungary. 

ANHYDRITE. 

Several  pieces  of  the  granular,  blue  variety,  (Vulpinitc,)  from 
Carinthia,  and  of  the  foliated  flesh-colored  variety  from  Swit- 
zerland. 

HEAVY-SPAR. 

More  than  two  hundred  and  fifty  specimens  from  all  the  re- 
markable localities  of  this  substance,  and  distinguished  by  the 
size,  transparency,  and  great  variety  of  crystallization  they 
present. 

STRONTIAXITE. 

Of  this  rare  mineral  the  collection  contains  several  fine  pieces, 
both  massive  and  crystallized  ;  from  Strontian  in  Scotland. 

inOCRASE. 

In  very  numerous  and  exceedingly  splendid  specimens  ;  in 
loose  crystals  and  engaged  in  their  gangue,  exhibiting  a  consid- 
erable variety  in  the  modifications  of  their  crystals,  shades  of  color 
and  dimensions  of  the  crystals  ;  from  Siberia,  Vesuvius,  Bohemia, 
Tyrol,  Norway,  and  Piedmont. 

GARNET. 

In  all  the  most  remarkable  varieties  of  form,  color,  &c. :  among 
which  may  be  mentioned  the  large  and  perfect  dodecahedral  crys- 
tals from  Fahlun  in  Sweden,  the  yellowish  brown  crystals  in  cal- 
careous spar  from  the  Bannat,  the  cinnamon  stone  garnet  from 
Ceylon  and  Carlisle,  Mass.  the  Melanite  from  New  Jersev,  and 
the  trapezohedral  red  garnet  from  Haddam. 


246 

HORNBLENDE. 

An  extensive  suite  of  the  varieties  usually  included  under  trem- 
olite,  actynolite  and  asbestos,  from  different  countries. 

AUGITE. 

Numerous  specimens  in  basalt  and  lava  from  Europe,  with  va- 
rieties from  different  parts  of  the  United  States. 

SPINELLE. 

Upwards  of  one  hundred  specimens  of  the  spinelle  ruby,  in 
varieties,  arising  out  of  differences  in  crystallization,  shades  of 
color,  size,  &.c.  which  are  from  Ceylon,  and  are  described  in 
the  catalogue  of  Count  Bnurnon ;  together  with  numerous  spe- 
cimens of  black  and  green  spinelle  from  Orange  county,  N.  Y. 
and  Sussex  county,  N.  J. 

CHRYSOBERYL. 

In  large  and  distinct  imbedded  crystals  from  Haddam  and  Sa- 
ratoga ;  and  in  grains  from  Brazil  and  the  East  Indies. 

BERYL. 

Numerous  loose  crystals,  remarkable  for  their  transparency, 
variety  of  color  and  delicacy  of  finish ;  others  slightly  adhering 
together  through  the  intervention  of  a  ferruginous  clay ;  from 
Daouria  on  the  confines  of  China.  Two  very  superb  emeralds 
from  Peru,  one  of  which  is  engaged  in  its  gangue.  Among  the 
beryls  from  the  United  States,  are  two  gigantic  specimens; 
one  from  Haddam,  a  tolerably  regular  six  sided  prism,  and  the 
other  from  Acworth  in  New  Hampshire,  weighing  fifty  nine  and 
a  half  pounds,  and  which  is  the  extremity  of  a  crystal  that  meas- 
ured four  feet  in  length,  and  weighed  two  hundred  and  thirty 
eight  pounds. 

ZIRCON. 

This  species  is  illustrated  by  numerous  specimens,  chiefly  of 
loose  crystals,  coming  from  the  East  Indies,  Norway,  France, 
and  various  localities  in  the  United  States,  particularly,  that  of 
Buncombe  county,  N.  C.  The  specimens  from  India  and  Nor- 
way, are  minutely  described  by  Count  Bournon. 


247 

CORUNDUM. 

The  collection  in  this  rare  species  falls  but  little  short  of  two 
hundred  specimens,  which  come  from  all  the  principal  known 
localities  in  the  world.  Upwards  of  one  hundred  and  fifty  spe- 
cimens of  the  dilTerent  varieties  from  India  and  China  are  mi- 
nutely described  in  Count  Bournon's  catalogue,  among  which 
are  found  numerous  very  interesting  crystallizations  of  the  red 
and  blue  varieties.  The  collection  also  contains  specimens  from 
several  American  localities. 

TOPAZ. 

A  large  collection  of  detached  crystals  of  diflerent  sizes,  mod- 
ifications, and  shades  of  color;  from  Siberia,  Brazil,  and  Saxony. 
Also  one  large  piece  of  the  topaz  rock  from  the  valley  of  Dann- 
eberg,  thickly  studded  with  transparent  crystals;  and  a  transpa- 
rent, well  formed  crystal  of  uncommon  volume,  said  to  have 
come  from  New  Holland.  In  addition  to  which,  the  cabinet  em- 
braces a  good  suite  of  specimens  from  the  Munroe  locality. 

AXINITE. 

Several  large  pieces,  well  invested  by  handsome  crystals  ^of 
this  rare  substance  from  Dauphiny. 

FELDSPAR. 

Above  fifty  specimens  from  different  parts  of  Europe,  illustra- 
ting a  great  variety  of  forms  in  the  crystallization  of  this  min- 
eral. Some  of  the  detached  crystals  are  of  extraordinary  di- 
mensions ;  others  are  small  and  nearly  transparent.  Their  lo- 
calities are  chiefly  Baveno,   St.  Gothard,   Tyrol  and  Normandy. 

ANALCIME. 

In  fine  specimens  illustrating  the  usual  forms  of  crystalliza- 
tion assumed  by  this  mineral,  from  Ireland,  Scotland  and  Tyrol. 

HARMOTOME. 

Handsome  pieces  from  Andreasberg. 

PREHNITE. 

An  extensive  suite  of  this  species  ;  among  which,  are  finely 
crystallized  specimens  from  the  Cape  of  Good  Hope,  Farming- 
ton,  (Conn.)  and  Scotland. 


248 

•  ,  LAUMONITE. 

j^  In  finely  crystallized  specimens  of  extraordinary  dimensions  ; 
from  the  lead  mine  of  Huelgoet  in  Brittany. 

MESOTYPE. 

In  several  interesting  pieces  from  the  Faroe  Islands  and  Ire- 
land, of  which  one  specimen,  in  particular,  from  the  former  lo- 
cality, in  long  closely  aggregated  fibres  radiating  from  three  dis- 
tinct centres,  is  very  remarkable  for  its  size  and  beauty. 

STILBITE. 

Among  the  specimens  illustrative  of  this  species,  is  one  from 
Faroe  in  magnificent  white  crystals,  whose  prisms  are  regularly 
terminated  at  both  extremities. 

HEULANDITE. 

In  several  handsome  specimens,  of  which  one  is  particularly 
worthy  of  notice  for  the  size,  whiteness,  transparency  and  finish 
of  its  crystals  ;  from  Faroe. 

APOPHYLLITE. 

In  splendid  specimens  from  Sweden  and  the  Bannat. 

NATIVE    GOLD. 

In  grains  and  flat  pebbles  ;  likewise  engaged  in  different  rocks 
in  the  form  of  regular  crystals,  imitative  shapes  and  massive  :  of 
a  gold  yellow  and  brass  yellow  color.  From  Siberia,  Transyl- 
vania, Africa,  Peru  and  North  Carolina.  Also,  in  specimens  dis- 
seminated through  Iron  Pyrites,  from  Beresefskoy,  near  Cathe- 
rinebourg  in  Siberia,  and  from  the  gold  region  of  the  Southern 
States. 

NATIVE    SILVER. 

From  the  mining  districts  of  Saxony,  Spain,  Norway,  Siberia 
and  Peru ;  in  numerous  specimens  distinctly  crystallized,  in 
large  plates  or  leaves,  massive,  in  dendrites,  reticulated,  and  in 
filiform  and  capillary  shapes. 

VITREOUS    SILVER. 

In  massive  and  handsomely  crystallized  specimens  ;  the  crys- 
tals are  in  cubes,  cubo-octahedrons,  and  rhombic  dodecahedrons; 
from  Frieberg,  Schneeberg  and  Johanngeorgenstadt,  in  Saxony. 


249 

RED    SILVER. 

Several  beautifully  crystallized  pieces  of  this  substance,  both 
of  a  light  and  of  a  dark  red  color,  .are  found  among  the  silver 
ores  of  the  cabinet,  from  tlic  well-known  localities  of  Lorraine, 
Hartz,  Saxony  and  Spain. 

MERCURY    ORES. 

About  100  specimens,  chiefly  from  Idria  in  Carniola,  and  Al- 
maden  in  Spain  ;  illustrating  the  sidphurct  in  all  its  varieties, 
from  the  crystallized,  through  the  compact  (Quicksilver  Liver 
ore)  and  slaty,  to  the  bright  red,  friable  Cinnabar.  Also,  speci- 
mens of  native  amalgam  and  oi  fluid  mercxiry. 

LEAD    ORES. 

The  collection  of  the  sulphtiret  of  this  metal  is  extensive,  and 
abounds  with  extremely  fine  crystallizations  and  massive  varie- 
ties, from  Brittany,  Derbyshire,  Saxony,  Bohemia  and  the  Ilartz. 

The  phosphates  and  carbonates,  in  particular,  among  the  salts 
of  lead,  are  woi'thy  of  admiration  :  the  former,  which  are  numer- 
ous, and  distinguished  for  their  size  and  beautiful  crystallization, 
are  from  Freiburg  in  the  Brisgau,  Poullaouen  and  Huclgoet  in 
Brittany ;  the  latter,  which  are  very  interesting  as  respects  their 
crystallization,  come  from  the  Hartz  and  the  lead  Hills  of  Scot- 
land, among  them  are  two  isolated  crystals,  (one  of  which 
is  macled)  which  it  is  believed  are  not  surpassed  in  volume  by 
any  specimens  of  this  substance  hitherto  found.  The  molyh- 
dates,  sulphates  and  chro mates  also,  are  in  good  variety. 

COPPER    ORES. 

The  collection  embraces  nearly  1000  specimens  of  this  metal ; 
among  which  are  noticed  several  noble  masses  of  native  copper, 
besides  smaller  specimens  well  crystallized  and  in  dendrites,  from 
Siberia,  Saxony,  England  and  the  United  States  :  an  extensive 
suite  o{  vitreous  and  yellow  copper  ores,  the  latter  of  which  em- 
brace fine  crystallizations  from  Baygorry  :  extremely  rare  speci- 
mens of  Fahlerz,  crystallized  in  numerous  forms,  from  the  Basse 
Navarre  mine  of  Baygorry  :  many  pieces  of  the  octahedral  cop- 
per ore  from  England,  among  which  one  specimen  is  distinguish- 

32 


250 

ed  for  its  dimensions  and  the  perfection  of  its  crystuls,  and  a  col- 
lection of  large  isolated  crystals,  coated  by  green  carbonate  of 
copper  from  Chcssy  in  France  :  a  magnificent  collection  oi  green, 
and  blue  carbonates  from  Siberia,  Hungary  and  the  Bannat :  sev- 
eral splendid  pieces  of  the  crystallized  muriate  from  Remolinos 
in  Chili,  and  of  the  phosphate  from  Liebethen  in  Hungary  :  all 
the  varieties  of  arseniate  from  England,  as  furnished  and  de- 
scribed by  Count  Bournon  ;  also,  two  masses  of  the  snlphate^ 
one  of  which  is  of  great  size. 

IRON    ORES. 

These  are  scarcely  less  numerous  or  interesting  than  those 
of  copper.  They  embrace  good  specimens  of  the  precious 
native  (terrestrial)  Iron  of  Canaan,  (Ct.)  and  of  North  Car- 
olina. Among  the  octahedral  iron-ore,  we  have  remarkably  dis- 
tinct single  crystals,  and  of  very  unusual  dimensions,  from  Swe- 
den ;  and  a  very  strong  native  magnet.  The  specular  iron 
ores,  in  particular,  of  which  there  are  at  least  100  speci- 
mens, are  distinguished  for  the  variety  of  the  crystallizations  and 
the  rich  colors  they  exhibit:  the  majority  of  these  come  from 
Framont  in  Lorraine,  a  locality  which  has  now  ceased  to  aflbrd 
these  beautiful  varieties.  The  Hydrous  Oxide  of  Iron  is  illus- 
trated by  upwards  of  100  pieces,  which  present  this  interesting 
species  under  all  its  varieties  of  imitative  shapes  and  colors  :  the 
specimens  are  also  very  striking  on  account  of  their  dimensions. 
Among  the  sulphvrets,  which  are  also  represented  by  an  exten- 
sive suite  of  specimens,  one  piece  from  Elba,  covered  by  very 
large  and  splendent  cubic  crystals,  of  the  yellow  ^  ariety,  is  much 
admired. 

TIN    ORES. 

Very  handsome  specimens  of  the  tin  stone  from  England  and 
Bohemia  ;  some  of  which  are  engaged  in  their  ganguc,  others  in 
isolated  crystals  of  extraordinary  size.  The  collection  contains 
also,  the  sulphnrct  of  this  metal,  at  present  esteemed  so  very  rare. 

ZINC    ORES. 

Upwards  of  100  specimens  of  Blende  from  numerous  localities, 
presenting  the  usual  varieties  of  crystallization  and  color ;  also 


251 

about  50  of  electric  calamine  and  carbonate   of  zinc,  offering  a 
great  diversity  of  crystalline  form  and  mechanical  composition. 

SULPIIURET    OF    ANTIMONY. 

The  specimens  of  this  species  are  mostly  from  Hungary,  Au- 
vergne,  Transylvania  and  the  Bannat ;  and  are  distinguished  for 
their  magnitude,  and  for  the  size  of  the  crystals  they  contain. 

COBALT    ORES. 

The  collection  embraces  several  species  of  this  metal  in  good 
variety,  especially  the  arsenical  cobalt  from  Tunaberg  in  Sweden, 
of  which  the  crystals  are  very  various  in  their  forms  and  dimen- 
sions. 

GREY    MANGANESE    ORE. 

Among  the  specimens  of  this  substance,  one  very  remarkable 
for  its  size  and  the  perfection  of  its  crystals,  is  observed  ;  it 
comes  from  the  Hartz. 

GRAPHIC    TELLURIUM. 

Two  very  beautiful  specimens  of  this  rare  ore,  from  Offenban- 
ya,  in  Transylvania. 

ANATASE. 

A  single  specimen,  but  very  remarkable  for  the  size  and  num- 
ber of  the  crystals  it  contains,  fiom  Dauphiny. 

SULPHUR. 

Numerous  specimens  of  a  very  large  size,  massive  and  crystal- 
lized, from  the  sulphur  mines  of  Sicily  and  Spain.  One  large 
and  very  handsome  piece,  which  is  of  a  rich  yellow  color,  and 
free  from  foreign  matters,  is  said  to  come  from  Java  ;  another 
specimen,  from  Milo,  in  the  Grecian  Archipelago,  is  particularly 
interesting  on  account  of  the  very  perfect  octahedral  crystals  it 
contains. 

AMBER. 

In  many  pieces,  some  of  which  contain  insects. 

DIAMOND, 

Nine  natural  crystals,  of  several  modifications  of  form,  and 
some  variety  of  color  ;  from  the  East  Indies  and  Brazil. 


252 

METEORIC    IRON    AND    METEORIC    STONES. 

Of  the  celebrated  meteoric  iron,  containing  chrysolite,  discover- 
ed by  Pallas,  near  the  mountains  of  Keniir  in  Siberia,  the  cabinet 
enjoys  a  supply,  in  which  it  is  doubtful  if  it  is  surpassed  by  more 
than  one  or  two  cabinets  in  the  world.  The  number  of  pieces  of 
this  iron  is  five,  among  which  there  is  no  very  considerable  dis- 
parity in  bulk  ;  the  heaviest  of  them  Aveighs  3  pounds  and  7  oun- 
ces. Among  the  grains  of  included  chrysolite,  may  be  seen,  oc- 
casionally, those  which  are  possessed  of  crystalline  facets.  It  al- 
so contains  a  fragment,  7^  pounds  in  weight,  detached  from  the 
great  mass  near  Red  River,  in  Louisiana  :  this  specimen  is  free 
from  earthy  matter,  and  possessed  of  a  compact  texture.  Among 
the  meteoric  stones,  are  two  noble  specimens  from  Weston,  Con., 
the  largest  of  which  weighs  37  pounds,  and  the  smaller  one  4 
pounds  and  10  ounces  ;  a  fragment  from  Maryland,  weighing  2^ 
pounds  ;  one  from  L'Aigle  in  Normandy,  weighing  13  ounces  ; 
together  with  several  good  sized  pieces  from  Georgia,  Tennes- 
gee  and  Virginia,  and  a  small  fragment  from  Stannern. 

COLLECTION    OF    ROCKS. 

The  cabinet  contains  the  principal  varieties  of  all  the  New- 
England  rocks,  as  well  as  those  of  New  York,  Lower  Canada  and 
Nova  Scotia  ;  also  a  very  perfect  suite  of  specimens  for  the  illus- 
tration of  the  gold  region  of  the  southern  states,  together  with 
numerous  specimens  belonging  to  the  newer  formations  border- 
ing upon  the  Atlantic  coast,  and  distinct  petrifactions  detached 
and  imbedded,  from  the  states  of  New  York  and  Ohio.  In  for- 
eign rocks,  it  abounds  with  rare  pieces  (polished  and  unpolished) 
of  granite,  sienite,  and  red  and  green  porphyry,  from  Egypt  and 
Russia ;  primitive  slates,  gneiss  and  limestones  from  the  Alps  ; 
greywacke,  old  red  sandstone,  carboniferous  or  mountain  lime- 
stone, mill-stone  grit,  coal  measures,  red  marie,  the  oolitic  and 
chalk  series,  and  the  fresh-Avater  formations,  from  England, 
France  and  Russia  :  a  fine  slab  of  elastic  sandstone  from  Brazil, 
enriches  this  part  of  the  cabinet  also.  The  large  collection  of 
fossil  fishes,  fucoides  and  insects,  in  marly  limestone  from 
Mount  Boka  in  Italy,  forms,  however,  the  rarest  portion  of 
the  geological  cabinet.     The  specimens  embrace  a  very  con- 


253 

siderable  number  of  distinct  species  ;  and  they  are  all  repre- 
sented in  the  most  perfect  manner  possible,  from  the  care 
"which  has  been  observed  in  quarrying  and  trimming  the  pie- 
ces. The  impressions  of  vegetables  upon  slates,  chiefly  from 
the  coal  formation  near  Daix  la  Chapelle,  the  Ichthyolites 
from  Mansfeld,  the  bones  of  quadrupeds  imbedded  in  calca- 
reous cement  from  the  cavern  of  ]\Iuggendorf  in  Fi'anconia, 
the  large  pieces  of  calcaire  grassier  and  calcaire  silicieux, 
abounding  in  shells  from  the  neighborhood  of  Moscow,  and 
the  polished  pieces  of  Lumachelli  marble,  deserve  notice  al- 
so, as  being  very  conspicuous  in  this  department  of  the  cabinet. 
In  basalt,  trachytic  rocks  and  lavas,  the  collection  is  abundantly 
furnished  from  Ireland,  Scotland,  Hungary,  Auvergne,  Italy  and 
the  Sandwich  Islands  :  and,  finally,  it  contains  several  good  spe- 
cimens of  the  teeth  of  the  extinct  elephant,  from  Northern  Eu- 
rope and  America. 

MINERALOGICAL    APPARATUS. 

Connected  with  the  cabinet,  is  found  a  collection  of  several 
hundred  models  in  wood  for  the  illustration  of  the  subject  of 
crystallography,  the  common  and  reflective  goniometer,  the 
pyro-electric  apparatus  of  Haiiy,  the  Blowpipe  apparatus  of  Ber- 
zelius,  <fec. 

GEOLOGY     AND    MINERALOGY    OF    THE     VICINITY     OF     YALE 
COLLEGE. 

The  facilities  aflbrded  by  the  collections  just  described,  are 
much  enhanced  by  the  contiguity  of  the  college  to  important 
mineral  deposits  and  rock  formations.  Without  these  additional 
advantages,  the  greatest  accumulations  of  specimens  would  be 
insufficient  for  inducing  any  considerable  taste  for  these  sciences; 
much  less,  for  securing  in  any  instance  their  skilful  practice.  A 
student  in  mineralogy  who  should  be  deprived  of  the  opportuni- 
ty of  studying  minerals  in  their  natural  depositories,  of  collect- 
ing, determining  and  arranging  them  for  himself,  would  encoun- 
ter a  discouragement  no  less  serious  than  the  scholar  in  polite 
learning  who  should  be  forced  to  make  his  acquisitions  through 
oral  instruction  entirely,  without  the  privilege  of  ever  being  per- 
mitted to  possess,  or  consult  tlie  sources  of  his  favorite  knowl- 


254 

edge.  Cabinets  of  minerals  are,  in  fact,  the  libraries  of  their 
possessors ;  and  an  expert  mineralogist  without  one,  would  be  an 
anomaly  much  like  that  of  an  elegant  scholar,  who  had  no  books. 
In  o-eology  likewise,  it  is  equally  indispensable  that  the  student 
should  have,  near  by,  a  considerable  variety  of  rock  formations, 
not  only  that  he  may  easily  possess  himself  of  suites  of  the  im- 
portant rocks,  but  that  he  may  see  the  strata  themselves  in  na- 
ture, and  acquire  those  preliminary  ideas  of  stratification  which 
no  drawings  can  fully  communicate  ;  and  what  is  still  more  im- 
portant, that  he  may  learn  the  rules  of  making  original  research- 
es, such  for  example,  as  relate  to  the  selection  of  favorable  points 
for  observation,  the  collecting  of  specimens  illustrative  of  forma- 
tions, and  the  examination  of  the  external  relations  and  internal 
structure  of  hills  and  mountains. 

The  New  England  States  are  peculiarly  the  primitive  region  of 
the  United  States  ;  from  which  source  its  acknowledged  produc- 
tiveness in  simple  minerals  arises,  and  to  it  is  no  doubt  due  that 
widely  diffused  taste  for  mineralogy  which  distinguishes  this  sec- 
tion of  country.  Fortunately,  however,  for  the  study  of  geolo- 
gy, this  apparent  favoritism  on  the  part  of  nature  towards  the  sci- 
ence of  minerals,  is  in  some  measure  made  amends  for,  by  the 
introduction  of  several  interesting  secondary  formations,  which 
widen  materially  the  field  of  geological  observation.  An  ex- 
tensive deposit  of  this  description  crosses  the  States  of  Massa- 
chusetts and  Connecticut,  and  terminates  in  the  immediate  vicin- 
ity of  Yale  College  ;  thus  affording  the  teacher  of  geology  at  this 
place,  unusual  facilities  for  the  illustration  of  his  science, — a  fact 
which  elicited  the  following  remark  from  Prof.  Hitchcock  in  his 
sketch  of  the  geology  of  the  Connecticut.*  "  It  is  a  curious  cir- 
cumstance that  this  Institution  should  have  been  fixed  by  its 
founders,  who  must  have  been  altogether  unacquainted  with  ge- 
ology, at  the  very  focus  of  most  of  the  Wernerian  rock  forma- 
tions. It  stands  at  the  southern  extremity  of  the  secondary  re- 
gion of  the  Connecticut ;  and  had  experienced  geologists  search- 
ed the  whole  of  New  England,  they  covdd  not  have  found  a  more 
eligible  situation  for  a  geological  and  mineralogical  school." 

*  American  Jouiua)  of  Science,  Vol.  VII.  p.  26. 


255 

The  city  of  New  Haven  is  situated  upon  a  plain  which  Ibrnis 
the  southern  extremity  of  the  secondary  region  above  alluded  to, 
and  which  extends,  with  a  breadth  of  from  5  to  30  miles,  for  the 
distance  of  110  miles  from  Northfield,  Mass.,  to  the  mouth  of 
New  Haven  harbor.  This  region  occupies,  for  the  most  part,  a 
lower  level  than  the  primitive  by  which  it  is  inclosed,  and  con- 
sists of  a  series  of  wide  and  extensive  plains,  whose  surface  is  of- 
ten diversified  by  the  sudden  uprising  of  hills  and  mountains, 
some  of  which  attain  an  elevation  of  one  thousand  feet  above  the 
bed  of  the  Connecticut  river,  which  stream  enters  this  formation 
at  its  northern  extremity,  and  follows  it  southward  as  far  as  Mid- 
dletown,  twenty  miles  distant  from  Long  Island  Sound.  The 
secondary  thus  indicated,  constitutes  what  is  usually  denominated 
the  Connecticut  Valley.  It  contains  no  primitive,  with  the  ex- 
ception of  loose  masses  and  bowlders,  brought  into  it  from  the 
adjoining  country,  by  causes  no  longer  in  action.  The  protrud- 
ing strata  which  break  its  continuity,  consist  of  a  fragmentary 
rock,  generally  known  by  the  name  of  the  old  red  sandstone, 
with  which  are  connected  extensive  deposits  of  Trap,  commonly 
in  the  form  of  overlying  masses,  but  sometimes  in  that  of  dykes 
or  veins. 

These  elevations,  which  are  much  broken  and  interrupted  in  the 
limited  chains  they  form,  are,  for  the  most  part,  disposed  length- 
wise of  the  valley,  though  at  their  extremities  they  generally,  by 
a  short  su'eep,  cross  its  bed.  They  present  the  striking  feature  of 
a  high,  precipitous,  rocky  front  to  the  west,  while,  in  the  opposite 
direction,  they  are  clothed  with  soil  and  vegetation,  and  slope  off 
gently  into  the  valley  below.  East  and  West  rock,  situated  two 
miles  apart  and  directly  in  the  lear  of  the  city,  are  remarkable 
instances  of  this  formation.  The  mountainous  swells  which 
form  the  banks  of  this  valley,  and  which  often  attain  an  elevation 
little  inferior  to  the  trap  mountains  they  inclose,  are  exclusively 
primitive  in  their  character  ;  and  spread  themselves  in  successive 
undulations  over  the  whole  state,  running  northward  with  an  al- 
most unbroken  continuity  across  the  state  of  Massachusetts,  and 
finally  articulating  with  the  high  mountains  of  Vermont  and  New 
Hampshire. 


256 

The  coming  in  of  llic  above  mentioned  formations  so  near  to 
the  college,  rentiers  it  perfectly  easy  for  the  geological  student, 
within  the  compass  of  a  moderate  Avalk,  to  obtain  clear  notions 
of  the  principles  of  stratification — of  conformable  and  uncon- 
formable rocks — of  dykes,  veins  and  beds — and  of  the  gradual 
passage  of  one  rock  into  another. 

The  rocks  which  may  be  examined  within  a  few  miles  of  the 
college,  in  their  natural  depositories  are  the  following :  trap,  red 
sandstone,  granite,  gneiss,  mica  slate,  primitive  argillite,  horn- 
blende rock  and  its  subordinate  slate,  chlorite  slate,  limestone 
and  serpentine ;  and  by  increasing  the  distance  thirty  or  forty 
miles,  we  have  dolomite,  quartz  rock,  and  scapolite  rock.  These 
rocks  may  also  be  studied  in  these  localities  in  all  their  principal 
varieties,  and  along  with  their  usually  concomitant  minerals. 
The  trap  occurs  compact  and  columnar,  as  well  as  amygdaloidal 
and  massive  ;  and  contains,  at  particular  spots,  the  characteristic 
agate  balls  and  zeolitic  minerals.  The  sandstone  possesses  its 
usual  diversities  from  a  coarse  conglomerate,  to  an  highly  com- 
minuted aggregate — from  an  exceedingly  indurated  rock,  to  one 
of  a  soft  and  slightly  coherent  texture — from  a  deep  red,  through 
duller  hues  to  an  almost  perfectly  black  color,  (owing  to  the  pres- 
ence of  bituminous  matter,)  and  occasionally,  is  found  embracing 
distinct  remains  of  fishes.  The  customary  mineral  contents  of  the 
red  sandstone,  heavy  spar  and  ores  of  copper,  are  also  observable 
in  several  places.  Granite,  gneiss,  the  primitive  slates  and  lime- 
stone are  all  found,  in  like  manner,  in  this  district  in  their  prevail- 
ing varieties,  and  characterized  by  the  presence  of  their  common 
mineral  accompaniments;  viz.  beryl,  garnet,  staurotide,  tremolite 
and  augite.  For  the  study  of  metallic  deposits,  good  opportuni- 
ties are  afforded  by  the  hajmatite  beds  of  Litchfield  county,  the 
powerful  vein  of  sparry-iron  at  New  Milford,  and  the  quartz 
vein  of  Munroe,  containing  bismuth,  silver,  lead,  zinc,  arsen- 
ic, iron  and  tungsten.  The  scratches,  furrows  and  pot-holes 
in  strata  at  high  levels,  transported  bowlders,  (lost  rocks,)  the 
almost  universally  difl'used  mixture  of  pebbles,  gravel  and  sand, 
occasionally  containing  the  teeth  of  the  extinct  horse  and 
mastodon,  afford,  abundantly,  the  necessary  materials  for  the 


257 

knowledge  of  diluvial  action ;  while  the  accumulation  of  sand 
and  shingle  upon  the  shore  of  the  neighboring  coast,  and  the  pro- 
duction of  marsh  land  from  mud  brought  in  by  the  tides,  assisted 
by  marine  plants  ami  mollusca,  as  well  as  river  alluvion  and  peat 
bog,  illustrate  the  nature  and  progress  of  alluvial  formations. 

From  the  preceding  outline  of  the  geology  of  the  vicinity  of 
New  Haveu,  its  general  mineralogical  character  may  easily  be 
inferred.  We  shall,  therefore,  only  annex  a  list  of  a  few  min- 
eral deposits  which  are  deemed  particularly  interesting  by  miner- 
alogists, and  which  are  well  calculated  to  excite  enthusiasm  in 
the  mind  of  the  young  collector. 

WEST    HAVEN    AND    MILFORD. 

Verd  Antique  Marble. 

Chromate  of  Iron. 

Asbestos. 

Columnar  Bitter  Spar. 

Sahlite. 

CHESHIRE. 

Thompsonite.     In  regularly  terminated,   transparent  crystals. 

Analcime.     Massive,  and  in  trapezohedral  crystals. 

Laumonite. 

Prehnite. 

Chabasie.     In  transparent  crystals  upon  Prehnite. 

Mesotype. 

Vitreous  Copper. 

Heavy  Spar.  * 

SOTJTHBURY. 

Agate. 

Agatized  wood. 
Prehnite. 
Rose  Quartz. 
Elastic  Bitumen. 
Fibrous  Limestone. 

NEW    MILFORD. 

Sparry  Iron-ore. 

NEW    PRESTON. 

Asbestos.  In  thin,  flexible  layers  of  a  white  color  in  Limestone. 

FARMINGTON. 

Prehnite.     In  very  distinct  crystals  of  a  handsome  green  color. 

33 


258 

MUNROK. 

Native  Bismulli. 

Magnetic  Iruii  Py^itc^ 

Blende. 

Argentiferous  Galena. 

WoU'ram.  Massive,  and  in  large  octahedral  crystals,  (pseudo- 
morphs  of  Tungsten). 

Tungsten.     Massive  and  in  octahedral  crystals. 

Yellow  Oxide  of  Tungsten.* 

Tourmaline.  Black,  and  highly  finished  as  respects  form 
and  lusti-e.  There  are  two  localities  in  this  town,  both  of 
which  present  crystals  of  several  modifications,  and  nei- 
ther, any  individuals  of  a  common  form.  The  crystals 
are  of  unusual  dimensions,  and  for  the  most  part  regularly 
terminated  at  both  extremities. 

Beryl.  Thickly  imbedded  in  graphic  granite,  well  crystallized, 
and  of  a  handsome,  green  color. 

Topaz.  In  very  large  crystals,  also  in  smaller  ones  wliich  are 
often  transparent :  colors,  white  and  yellow. 

Chlorophane. 

Pyroxene.     In  eight  sided  prisms,  also,  granular  :  color  green. 

Sphene. 

Garnets.     In  handsome,  trapezohedral  crystals. 

HUNTINGTON. 

Red  Oxide  of  Titanium. 

BROOKFIELU. 

Galena. 

CANAAN. 

Pyroxene.     In  large,   white  crystals  which  are  found  loose  in 

the  soil  and  imbedded  in  dolomite. 
Hornblende.     White  varieties,  or  tremolitc. 

SALISBURY. 

Brown  Haematite. 
Ochery  Brown  Iron-Ore. 
Garnet. 
Staurotide. 


*  The  minerals  of  the  preceding  list  are  all  found  at  one  spot,  upon  the 
farm  of  Mr.  Ephraim  Lane. 


259 

LITCHFIELD. 

Kyanite. 

Corundum.  Massive,  and  in  small  six  sided  prisms  of  a  pale, 
bluish,  or  reddish  color. 

SAYBROOK. 

Sillimaniie. 

HADDAM. 

Chrysoberyl.  In  crystals  of  uncommon  dimensions  and  varie- 
ty of  modification  :  color  yellowish  green. 

Beryl.  Colors  yfllow  and  green :  crystals  sometimes  very 
perfect  and  transparent. 

Columbite. 

Albite. 

Tourmaline.     In  doubly  terminated,  black  crystals. 

Finite. 

Zircon. 

Sulphuret  of  Molybdena. 

Anthophyllite. 

Garnet.     In  large,  trapezohedral  crystals  of  a  rich,   red  color. 

CHATHAM. 

Arsenical  Nickel. 
Arsenical  Cobalt. 

MIDDLETOWN. 

Tourmaline.     Colors,  black,  green  and  red,  or  pink. 
Albite.     (Cleavelandite  variety). 

BERLIN*. 

Galena. 
Blende. 

Vitreous  Copper. 
Heavy  Spar. 
Fibrous  Limestone. 


"  For  the  knowledge  of  the  localities  in  this  town,  the  author  of  this  skctr h 
is  indebted  to  Dr.  Percival 


260 

Chlorite.     Crystallized  in  geodes. 

Agate. 

Prehnite. 

Mesotype. 

Chabasie. 

The  above  minerals  are  all  found  in  Trap 


DEPARTMENT  OF  NATURAL  PHILOSOPHY. 

The  ROOMS  devoted  to  this  department  are  in  the  Atheneum, 
(the  old  Chapel,)  and  consist  of  a  spacious  and  convenient  lecture 
room  called  the  Philosophical  Chamber,  of  two  apparatus  rooms, 
and  several  small  apartments  in  the  tower,  one  of  which  is  fitted 
up  for  a  camera  obscura,  and  another  for  an  astronomical  ob- 
servatory. 

The  APPARATUS  belonging  to  the  department  is,  in  general, 
executed  in  plain  style,  but  the  greater  part  of  it  is  the  work  of 
distinguished  artists.  The  instruments  are  sufficiently  various, 
to  furnish  the  means  of  illustration,  to  a  full  course  of  lectures  in 
Natural  Philosophy  and  Astronomy. 

Previous  to  the  year  1806,  the  Philosophical  Apparatus  con- 
sisted chiefly  of  the  following  articles  : — 

Gregorian  Telescope,  '3^  feet,  mounted  on  a  brass  stand.* 

Another  of  similar  construction,  2^  feet,  very  old. 

Orrery.  Land  Telescope  (4  feet,)  by  Dollond.  Astronomical 
clock. 

Astronomical  Quadrant. 

Hadley's  Quadrant. 

Air  pump — old  and  damaged. 

Condensing  Fountain. 

Electrical  Machine. 

Masic  Lantern — old. 


*  This  instrument  was  lost  witli  Professor  Fisher,  who  was  taking  it  (o  Eng- 
land for  the  purpose  of  having  it  repaired. 


261 

Compound  Microscope. 

Mechanical  Powers. 

Whirling  Tables. 

Pair  of  Globes. 

Most  of  the  foregoing  articles  were  out  of  repair,  and  several 
of  them  were  entirely  useless. 

In  ISOG,  Professor  Silliman  purchased  in  London  the  greater 
part  of  the  Philosophical  Apparatus  now  belonging  to  the  depart- 
ment, comprising  an  assortment  of  instruments  in  Mechanics, 
Hydrostatics,  Pneumatics,  Electricity,  Magnetism,  Optics,  and  As- 
tronom}'.  Nearly  the  whole  were  made  by  Banks,  or  under  his 
immediate  direction,  and  they  are,  in  general,  of  excellent  work- 
manship.    The  following  are  some  of  the  most  valuable  articles  : 

Atwood's  Machine,  for  illustrating  the  laws  of  falling  bodies. 

Large  Plate  Electrical  Machine. 

Electrical  Battery  of  12  large  Jars. 

Lucernal  Microscope,  a  very  elegant  instrument. 

Solar  Microscope. 

Large  Burning  Lens. 

Large  double  barrel  Air  Pump. 

Small  do.  do. 

Achromatic  Telescope,  (3  feet.) 

Hadley's  Sextant. 

Transit  Instrument. 

Equatorial. 

To  the  foregoing  have  since  been  added — 

Variation  Compass,  furnished  with  a  small  transit  telescope. 

Hydraulic  Ram. 

Coulomb's  Torsion  Balance. 

Armillary  Sphere. 

Pair  of  21  inch  Globes,  by  Carey,  of  the  best  construction. 

Achromatic  Telescope,  by  George  Dollond,  10  feet  focal 
length,  5  inches  aperture. 

For  these  two  last  articles,  namely,  the  Globes  and  the  Teles- 
cope, constituting  a  most  valuable  accession  to  this  depart- 
ment, the  College  is  indebted  lo  its  distinguished  benefactor, 
Sheldon  Clarke,  Esq. 


262 

ill  addition  to  the  apparatus  imported  from  abroad,  various  ar- 
ticles have  been  added  from  time  to  time,  which  were  made  by 
domestic  artists,  under  the  dii-ection  of  the  professors.  Some  of 
these,  which  have  been  constructed  at  a  small  expense,  serve  a 
valuable  purpose  in  the  course  of  experimental  lectures. 

The  following  is  a  brief  outline  of  the  method  of  instruction 
pursued  in  this  department.  The  pure  mathematics  are  taught 
chiefly  in  the  way  of  recitations  from  the  authors  mentioned  in 
the  scheme  of  studies,  (p.  226).  The  student  is  required  to  come 
to  the  recitation  room  prepared  to  demonstrate  such  propositions, 
or  to  solve  such  problems,  as  are  contained  in  the  lesson  previ- 
ously appointed.  These  exercises  are  held  by  the  tutors  of  the 
respective  divisions  of  the  class,  under  the  direction,  and  with 
the  occasional  assistance,  of  the  professor  of  the  department. 

The  study  of  Philosophy  is  commenced  with  the  Junior  year, 
and  vdth  the  addition  of  Astronomy,  continued  through  the  two 
remaining  years.  First,  the  leading  principles  of  these  sciences 
are  learned  from  text-books,  and  demonstrated  as  in  the  pure 
mathematics.  Secondly,  a  course  of  lectures  is  carried  on  in  con- 
nexion with  these  lessons,  in  which  the  principles  are  fully  illus- 
trated by  experiments,  and  their  applications  to  the  purposes  of 
the  arts,  and  to  the  explanation  of  natural  phenomena,  are  exten- 
sively pointed  out.  In  this  manner  the  student  is  conducted 
through  a  systematic  course  of  instruction  in  Natural  Philoso- 
phy and  Astronomy.  Thirdly,  a  coui-se  of  lectures  is  delivered 
to  the  Senior  Class,  on  certain  select  subjects  of  Natural  Philos- 
ophy and  Astronomy,  in  which  are  discussed  various  topics  that 
either  do  not  fall  within  the  regular  system  before  studied,  or 
which  require  more  elaborate  examination  ;  such  topics,  for  ex- 
ample, as  Meteorology,  Acoustics,  and  various  speculations  in 
Astronomy.  Both  these  courses  of  lectures  amount  in  number 
to  eighty  or  ninety,  and  are  given  by  the  Professor  of  Mathe- 
matics and  Natural  Philosophy. 


'2m 


WKDICAL    APPARATUS, 

The  Medical  Apparatus  comprises  a  collection  of  dry  and  wet 
anatomical  preparations  ;  models  on  an  enlarged  scale  to  exhibit 
tlie  internal  structure  of  the  ear  and  other  minute  parts  ;  and  a 
machine  for  obstetrical  demonstrations,  &ic.  The  collection  of 
dry  preparations  is  considered  to  be  more  complete  than  that  in 
most  other  institutions  of  a  similar  character  in  this  country.  It  is, 
however,  little  used  in  the  regular  anatomical  course  to  medical 
students,  being  considered  a  very  imperfect  substitute  for  the  re- 
cent subject,  vfhich  is  almost  exclusively  relied  on. 

A  brief  course  of  anatomical  lectures  is  given  in  the  summer 
season  to  the  undergraduates  in  the  Academical  Department,  and 
to  others  who  may  choose  to  attend,  during  which  the  dry  prep- 
arations, and  particularly  an  apparatus  called  amanikin,  are  used 
for  the  demonstrations.  This  manikin  is  a  very  perfect  and  in- 
genious piece  of  mechanism,  constructed  in  Paris,  representing  a 
male  figure  of  the  full  size,  its  parts  so  arranged  that  the  integu- 
ments, muscles,  nerves,  blood  vessels,  viscera  and  other  parts, 
may  be  removed  in  separate  pieces,  and  exhibit  each  of  these  be- 
neath, in  regular  and  natural  succession. 

There  is  also  a  cabinet  of  specimens  of  the  materia  mcdica, 
which  was  considered  by  the  person  who  made  up  the  collection, 
to  be  tlie  most  complete  of  any  one  in  the  country. 


BOTANY. 


Yale  College  has  no  Garden  or  Conservatory.  On  tlie  first 
organization  of  the  Medical  Department,  it  was  intended  speedily 
to  have  both,  and  Mr.  Frederick  Pursh,  the  well  known  author 
of  the  Flora  America?  Septentrionalis,  was  engaged  to  take  charge 
of  the  proposed  establishment,  as  Curator.  This  arrangement 
was  however  never  carried  into  elfect,  on  account  of  the  subse- 
quent, and  more  important  engagement  of  Mr.  Pursh,  with  Lord 
Selkirk,  for  the  purpose  of  exploring  the  north-western  parts  of 
America.     At  another  and  a  later  period,  Dr.  M.  C.  Leavenworth, 


204 

a  zealous  and  successful  investigator  of  American  Botany,  was 
engaged  to  make  a  collection  of  indigenous  plants  for  the  gar- 
den ;  and,  at  one  time,  there  was  actually  a  collection  of  this  sort, 
which  was  supposed  to  be  the  best  in  the  country.  But  this  was 
accomplished  altogether  at  the  private  expense  of  the  then  Pro- 
fessor of  Botany,  as  the  College  had  no  funds  for  the  purpose. 
After  some  time,  therefore,  the  further  enlargement  and  improve- 
ment of  the  Garden  was  abandoned,  partly  on  account  of  the  oth- 
er engagements  of  the  gentleman  who  had  thus  far  accomplished 
all  that  had  been  done,  and  partly  on  account  of  the  increasing 
cost  of  the  establishment.  Many  of  the  plants  however  still  re- 
main, but  in  a  totally  neglected  state. 

It  is  worthy  of  remark,  that  there  appears  to  be  a  considera- 
bly greater  number  of  native  plants  in  the  immediate  and  close 
vicinity  of  New  Haven,  than  is  ordinarily  found  within  the  same 
compass,  in  the  Northern  or  Middle  States.  Professor  Hitch- 
cock, of  Amherst  College,  in  Massachusetts,  has  hitherto  found 
but  about  1447  species,  within  a  circle  of  the  diameter  of  100 
miles  around  that  Institution,  inclusive  of  all  the  cryptogamous 
plants,  or  997  species  exclusive  of  the  latter ;  whereas,  within 
five  miles  of  Yale  College,  somewhat  more  than  1150  phenoga- 
mous  plants,  and  ferns,  have  already  been  ascertained.  In  addi- 
tion to  this,  it  is  probable,  that  in  the  private  gardens  of  New  Ha- 
ven, (of  which  the  number  is  unusually  large  for  such  a  place) 
as  great  a  variety  of  exotics  are  constantly  cultivated,  as  can  be 
found  in  almost  any  part  of  New  England  ;  so  that  the  advan- 
tages for  the  pursuit  of  Botany,  at  this  Institution,  are  not  incon- 
siderable in  comparison  with  other  parts  of  our  country. 


Catalogue  of  the  phenogamous  Plants,  and  of  the  Ferns,  found 

within  fve  miles  of  Yale  College. 
Abies 

Canadensis.     M  i  c  h  a  u  x.     Hemlock-Spruce. 

nigra.     M  i  c  h  a  u  x.  f.     Black- Spruce. 
Acalypha 

Caroliniana.     Walter. 
Virginica.     L  i  n  n. 


265 

Acer 

dasycarpum.     E  h  r  h  a  r  t.      White-Maple. 
montanum.     Alton, 
rubrum.     Linn.     Red-Maple. 
saccharinum.     Linn.     Sugar-Maple. 
striatum.     DuRoi.     Muosewood-Maple. 

Achillea 

Millefolium.     Linn.      Yarroio.     C* 

Acnida 

Cannabina.     Linn.      Water-Hemp. 

Acorus 

Calamus.     Linn.     Sweet-Flag. 

Actsea 

pachypoda.     Elliott.      White-Cohosh. 
racemosa.     Linn.     Black-Cohosh. 
rubra.     B  i  g  e  1  o  w.     Rcd-Cohosh. 

Adianthum 

pcdatum.     Linn.     Maidenhair. 
Adlumia 

cirrhosa.     Rafinesquc.     DcCandollc. 

^sculus 

Hippocastanum.     Linn.     Horse-Chestnut.     C. 
Agrimonia 

Eupatoria.     Linn.     Agrimony. 
Agropyron 

repens.      Palisot   de   Beauvois.      Couch-grass. 

Agrostis 

alba.     Linn.     White-top.     Fiorin-grass. 

clandestina.     S  p  r  e  n  g  e  1. 

Juncea.     M  i  c  h  a  u  x. 

lateriflora.     M  i  c  h  a  u  x. 

serotina.     T  o  r  r  e  y. 

stolonifera.     Linn. 

stricta.     W  i  1 1  d  c  n  o  w. 

tenuiflora.     W  i  1 1  d  e  n  o  w. 

Virginica.     Linn. 

vulgaris.     »S  m  i  t  h.     Red-top. 

Aira 

aristulata.     T  o  r  r  e  y. 


Cicur,  naturalized. 

34 


Aira 

crcspitosa.     Linn. 

flexuosa.     L  i  n  n.     Hair-grass. 

pumila.     Purs  h. 

Aletris 

farinosa.     Linn.      Unicorn-root. 

Alisma 

triviale.     Piirsh.     Water-Plantain. 

Allium 

Canadensc.     Linn.     Meadow-garlic. 
tricoccum.     Ait  on. 
trifloruni.     R  a  f  i  n  c  s  q  u  c. 

Alnus 

scrrulata.     W  i  1 1  d  e  n  o  w.     Alder. 

Alopecurus 

pratensis.     Linn.     Fox-tail.     C. 

Amarantus 

albus.     L  i  n  n. 
hybridiis.     Linn, 
pumilus.     N  u  1 1  a  1 1. 
sanguineus,     W  i  1 1  d  c  n  o  w. 

Ambrosia 

elalior.     Linn.     Rom  an- Wormwood. 
tritida.     Linn.     Great-bittcr-wecd. 

Amelanchier 

Botryapium.     D  e  C  a  n  d  o  1 1  e.     Shad-tree. 
ovalis.     D  e  C  a  n  d  0  1 1  c. 

Ammannia 

ramosior.     Lin  n. 

Ampelopsis 

quinquefolia.     Michaux.     Creeper. 

Amphicarpgea 

monoica.     D  e  C  a  n  d  o  1 1  e. 
sarmentosa.     DeCandolle. 

Anagallis 

Phoenicea.     L  a  M  a  r  c  k.      Red-PiiuperncJ. 

Andrewsia 

autuninalis.     Sprcngcl.     Sivciv-stem. 

Andromeda 

calyculata.     L  i  n  n.     Leather-leaf. 
Ligustrina.     M  u  h  1  e  n  b  e  r  sr.      Whitchush 
racemosa.     Michaux. 


267 

Andropogoii 

furcatus.     Muhlenberg, 
nutans.     Linn.     Beard-grass. 
scoparius.     M  i  c  h  a  u  x.     Broom-grass. 
Virginicus.     Linn.     Bent-grass. 
Anemone 

Aconitifolia.     M  i  c  li  a  u  x. 
nemorosa.     Linn.      Wood-Anemony. 
Thalictroides.     Linn.     Rue-Anemony. 
Virginiana.     Linn.      Thimhlc-weed. 

Angelica 

atropurpurea.  Linn.  (A.  triquinata.  Mich.)  ilwg"e/icfl. 
villosa.     (Ferula  villosa.  Walter.) 

Anthemis 

Cotula.     Linn.     May-weed. 
Anthoxanthum 

odoratum.     Linn.     Sweet-vernal-grass. 
Anychia 

capillacea.     DeCandolle. 

dichotoma.     M  i  c  h  a  u  x. 

Apios 

tuberosa.     M  ce  n  c  h.     Ground-nut. 

Aplectrum 

hyemale.     N  u  1 1  a  1 1.     Adam-and'Eve. 

Apocynum 

Androsajmifolium.     Linn.     Dog^s-bane. 
Hypericifolium.     A  i  t  o  n. 
pubescens.     K.  Brown.     Indian-Hemp. 
Aquilegia 

Canadensis.     L  i  n  n.     Colombine. 

Arabis 

Canadensis.     Linn, 
laevigata.     DeCandolle. 
lyrata.     Linn, 
sagittata.     DeCandolle. 
Thaliana.     Linn. 

Aralia 

hispida.     Michaux.     Dwarf-Elder. 
nudicaulis.     Linn.     False-Sarsaparilla. 
raceraosa.     Linn.     Spikenard. 

Arctium 

Lappa.     Linn.     Burdock,     C. 


268 

Arctostaphylos 

Uva-Ursi.     Sprengel. 

Arenaria 

Canadensis.     P  e  r  s  o  o  n. 
lateriflora.     Linn. 
Peploides.     Lin  n. 
rubra.     Linn. 
Serpyllifolia,     L  i  n  n. 

Arethusa 

bulbosa.     S  w  a  r  I  z. 

Aristida 

dichotoma.     M  i  c  h  a  u  x. 
oligantha.     M  i  c  h  a  u  x. 
purpurascens.     P  o  i  r  e  t. 
stricta.     M  i  c  h  a  u  x. 

Aristolochia 

Serpentaria.     Linn.      Virginia-Snake-root. 

Aronia 

Arbutifolia.     P  e  r  s  o  o  n.     Choke-berry. 
Arrhenatherum 

Avenaceum.  PalisotdeBeauvois.    Wild-Oat.  C. 
Pennsylvanicum.     T  o  r  r  e  y. 

Artemisia 

Canadensis.     M  i  c  h  a  u  x.      Wild-  Wormwood. 
vulgaris.     Linn.     Mugwort.     C. 

Arum 

Dracontium.     Linn.     Green-Dragon. 
triphyllum.     Linn.      Wild-Turnip. 

Arundo 

Canadensis.     M  i  c  h  a  u  x. 
Asarum 

Canadense.     L  i  n  n.     CoWs-foot- Snake-root. 

Asclepias 

amcena.     Linn, 
incarnata.     Linn, 
obtusifolia.     M  i  c  h  a  u  x. 
Phytolaccoides.     Lyon, 
purpurascens.     Linn, 
quadrifolia.     J  a  c  q  u  i  n. 
Syriaca.     Linn.     Milk-weed. 
tuberosa.     Linn.      White-root. 
verticillata.     Linn. 

Asparagus 

officinalis.     Linn.     C 


269 

Aspidium 

Acrostichoides,     S  vv  a  r  t  z. 
Asplenoides.     W  i  1 1  d  c  n  o  w , 
marginale.     S  w  a  r  t  z. 
Nov-Eboracense.     S  w  a  r  t  z. 
Thelypteris.     S  vv  a  r  t  z. 

Asplenium 

ebeneum.     Alton, 
melanocaulon.     Willdcnovv. 
rhizophyllum.     Linn. 
Thelypteroides.     M  i  c  h  a  u  x. 

Aster 

amplexicaulis.     W  i  1 1  d  e  n  o  w. 
Bellidilblius,     W  i  1 1  d  e  n  o  w. 
cordifolius.     Linn. 
Cornifolius.     \V  i  1 1  d  e  n  o  w. 
corymbosus.     Alton, 
cyaneus.     Hoffman, 
difiusus.     Alton. 
Hyssopifolius.     Linn, 
lanceolatus.     W  1 1 1  d  e  n  o  w. 
Llnarifolius.     Linn, 
macrophyllus.     Lin  n. 
miser.     Linn. 
Novae-Anglian.     Linn. 
Novi-Belgil.     L  1  n  n. 
paniculatus.     Alton, 
polyphyllus.     W  1 11  d  e  n  o  \v. 
punlceus.     Linn, 
rigidus.     W  1,11  d  e  n  o  av. 
Solidaginoides.     W  1 1 1  d  e  n  o  w. 
subulatus.     M 1  c  h  a  u  X. 
tenuifolius.     L  1  n  n. 
Tradescanti.     Linn, 
umbellatus.     Alton, 
undulatus.     Linn. 

Plures  indeterminati. 

Atriplex 

hortcnsio.     L  1  n  n.      C. 
laciniata.     Linn, 
paiula.     Linn. 

Ballota 

nigra.     Linn.     False- Hoar-hound.     C. 

Baptisia 

tlnctoria.     R.  Brown.      Wild-Indigo. 


270 

Barbarea 

praecox.     R.  Brow  n.     Garden-Cress.     C. 

vulgaris.     R.  Brown.      Wild-Cress. 
Berberis 

Canadensis.     Miller.     Barberry. 
Betula 

cxcelsa..     A  i  t  o  n.      Ye  How- Birch. 
lenta.     Linn.     Black-Birch. 
Populifolia.     A  i  t  o  n.      White-Birch. 
piimila.     Willdenow.     Dwarf-Birch. 

Bidens 

bipinnata.     Lin  n. 

cernua.     Linn. 

Chrysanthemoides.     Willdenow. 

connata.     Willdenow. 

frondosa.     Linn.     Cuckolds. 
Blitum 

capitatum.     L  i  n  n.     Strawberry -Spinach. 
Boehmeria 

cylindrica.     Willdenow.     False-Nettle. 
Boottia 

sylvestris.     B  i  g  e  1  o  w. 
Botrychium 

dissectum.     Willdenow. 
gracile.     P  u  r  s  h. 
Virginianum.     Willdenow. 

Brachelytrum 

aristatum.     PalisotdeBeauvois. 

Briza 

media.     Linn. 

Bromus 

ciliatus.     Linn. 
Secalinus.     Linn.     Chess. 

Cakile 

Americana.     N  u  1 1  a  1 1. 
Calla 

palustris.     Linn. 

Callitriche 

autumnalis.     Linn, 
terrestris.     Rafinesque. 
verna.     M  i  c  h  a  u  x. 
Calopogon 

pulchellus.     R.  B  r  o  w  n. 


271 

Caltha 

palustris.     Linn.     Marsh- Marigold. 
Camelina 

sativa.     C  rant  z.     False-Flax.     C. 
Campanula 

ainplexicaulis.     Michaux. 
Aparinaides.     P  u  r  s  h. 
rotundifolia.     Linn. 

Cannabis 

sativa.     Linn.     Hemp.     C. 

Capsella 

Bursa-Pastoris.     McEnch.     Slwpherd's-Pursc     C. 
Cardamine 

Pennsylvanica.     Muhlenberg, 
rhomboidea.     De  Can  doll  e. 
Virginica.     Lin  n. 


Carex 


acuta.     Linn, 
anceps.     Muhlenberg, 
aurea.     Nuttall. 
Bromoides.     S  c  h  k  u  h  r. 
Buxbaumii.     W  a  h  1  c  n  b  e  r  g. 
caespitosa.     Linn, 
cephalophora.     Muhlenberg 
conoidea.     S  c  h  k  u  h  r. 
crinita.     S  c  h  k  u  h  r. 
cristata.     S  c  h  w  e  i  n  i  t  z. 
dioica.     Linn. 
Festucacea.     S  c  h  k  u  h  r. 
flava,     Linn, 
flexuosa.     Muhlenberg, 
folliculata.     L  i  n  n. 
granulans.     Muhlenberg, 
hirsuta.     S  c  h  k  u  h  r. 
lacustris.     S  c  h  k  u  h  r. 
laxiflora.     S  c  h  k  u  h  r. 
Lupulina.     M  u  h  1  e  n  b  e  r  g. 
marginata.     Muhlenberg. 
Miliacea.     Muhlenberg. 
Muhlcnbcrgii.     S  c  h  k  u  h  r. 
multiflora.     Muhlenberg. 
Novae-Angliae.     Schwcinitz. 
oligocarpa.     S  c  h  k  u  h  r. 
ovata.     R  u  d  g  c. 
paniculata.     L  i  n  n. 


272 

Carex 

pedunculata.     Muhlenberg, 
pellita.     Muhlenberg. 
Plantaginea.     La  Marc  k. 
Polytrichoides.     Muhlenberg. 
Pseudo-Cyperus.     Linn, 
pubescens.     Muhlenberg, 
retroflexa.     Muhlenberg, 
retrorsa.     Schweintz. 
rosea.     S  c  h  k  u  h  r. 
Scirpoides.     S  c  h  k  u  h  r. 
scoparia.     S  c  h  k  u  h  r. 
setacea.     T  o  r  r  e  y. 
Sparganoides.     Muhlenberg, 
squarrosa.     Linn, 
sterilis.     S  c  h  k  u  h  r. 
stipata.     Muhlenberg, 
stricta,     Goodenough. 
trichocarpa.     Muhlenberg, 
trisperma.     Dewey, 
umbellata.     S  c  h  k  u  h  r. 
varia.     Muhlenberg, 
verna.     S  c  h  k  u  h  r. 
vesicaria.     Linn, 
vestita.     S  c  h  k  u  h  r. 
virescens.     Muhlenberg. 

Plures  indcterminatas. 
Carpinus 

Americana.     Willdenow.     Hornbeam. 


Carya 


amara.  N  u  1 1  a  1 1.  Bitter-Nut. 
porcina.  N  u  1 1  a  1 1.  Pig-Nut. 
squamosa.     M  i  c  li  a  u  x.  (.     Shell-Bark. 


Cassia 

Chamaecrista.     Linn.     Partridge-Pea. 
Marilandica.     L  i  n  n.     American-Senna. 
nictitans.     Linn.      Wild- Sensitive-Plant. 
Castanea 

vesca.     Willdenow.     Chestnut. 

Castilleia 

coccinea.     S  p  r  e  n  g  e  1.     Queen-of-the-Meadow. 
Catalpa 

cordil'olia.     Elliott.     C. 

Caulinia 

flexilis.     Willdenow. 


273 

Ceanothus 

Americana.     Linn.     New-Jersey-Tea. 

Celastrus 

scandens.     Linn.     False-Bitter -Sweet. 

Celtis 

occidentalis.     L  i  n  n.     Pompion-berry. 

Genchus 

Tribuloides.     L  i  n  n. 

Cephalanthus 

occidentalis.     Linn.     Button-bush. 

Cerastium 

arvense.     L  i  n  n. 
viscosum.     Linn, 
vulgatum.     L  i  n  n. 

Cerasus 

Canadensis.     D  e  C  a  n  d  o  1 1  e. 
littorali.s.  Beack-Plum. 

nigra.     D  e  C  a  n  d  o  1 1  e. 
obovala.  Choke-Cherry. 

Pennsylvanica.     DeCandolle. 
pubescens.     DeCandolle. 
pumila.     DeCandolle. 
Virginiana.     D  e  C  a  n  d  o  1  le. 

Ceratophyllum 

demersum.      L  i  n  n. 

Chara 

vulgaris.     L  i  n  n. 

Chelidonium 

mains.     L  i  n  n.     Celandine. 

Chelone 

glabra.     L  i  n  n.     Snakehead. 

Chenopodium 

album.     L  i  n  n.     Green-Pig-weed. 
Ambrosioides.     Linn.     C. 
anthelminticum.     Linn.     Oak-of -Jerusalem. 
Botrys.     Linn.     Oak-of-Cappadocia.     C. 
hybrid um.     L  i  n  n. 
maritimum.     L  i  n  n. 
murale.     Linn, 
rubrum.     L  i  n  n.     Rcd-Pig-iveed. 

Chimaphila 

maculata.     Purs  h. 

umbellata.     N  u  1 1  a  11.     Prince'' s-Pine. 

35 


274 

Chrysanthemum 

Leucanthcmum.     L  i  n  n.      White-Daisy.     C. 

Chrysospleniiim 

oppositifoliiim.     L  i  n  n.     Brooklimc. 
Cichorium 

Intybus.     Linn.     Succory.     C. 
Cicuta 

bulbifera.     Linn, 
maculata.     Linn. 

Cinna 

Arundinacea.     W  i  1 1  d  c  n  o  w.     Indian-Reed. 

Circ9ea 

alpina.     Linn. 

Lutetiana.     Linn.     EiicTianter''  s- Nightshade. 

Claytonia 

Virginica.     Linn. 

Clematis 

verticillaris.     DeCandolle. 
Virginica.     Lin  n.      Virgin^ s-hower. 

Clethra 

Alnifolia.     L  i  n  n.      White-hush. 

Chnopodium 

vulgai-c.     L  i  n  n. 

Cnicus 

altissimus.     W  i  1 1  d  e  n  o  w. 

arvensis.     La  M  a r  c  k.     Canada- Thistle. 

lanceolatus.     H  o  f  f  m  a  n. 

Cnidium 

atropurpureuni.     S  p  r  e  n  g  e  1. 
Canadense.     S  p  r  e  n  g  e  1. 

Cochlearia 

Armoracia.     L  i  n  n.     Horse-lladish.     C. 

Coix 

Lachryma.     L  i  n  n.     Job's-l-ears.     C. 

Colhnsonia 

Canadensis.     L  i  n  n.     Archangel. 

Comarum 

palustrc.     L  i  n  n. 

Comptonia 

Asplenifolia.     Aiton.     Sweet-Fern. 

Conium 

niaciilaUun.     Linn.     Hcvilocl:     (' 


275 

Convallaria 

Maialis.     L  i  n  n.      Lily-of-the-  VaJhij.     C. 

Convolvulus 

arvensis.     L  i  n  n. 

panduratus.     Linn.     Man-of -the -ground. 

Sepium.     L  i  n  n. 

stans.     M  i  c  h  a  u  X. 

Conyza 

camphorata.     Muhlenberg. 

Coptis 

trifolia.     Salisbury.     Gold-thread. 

Corallorhiza 

odontorrhiza.     R.  B  r  o  w  n.     Heii's-foot. 

Cornus 

alba.     L'H  e  r  i  t  i  e  r. 
Canadensis.     Linn. 

circinata.     L'H  e  r  i  t  i  e  r.     Mountain-  Willow. 
florida.     Linn.     Box-wood.     Dog-wood. 
paniculata.     L'H  c  r  i  t  i  c  r. 
sericea.     L'H  e  r  i  t  i  e  r.     Red-  Willow. 
Coronilla 

varia.     Linn.     C. 

Coronopus 

didymus.     Smith. 
Ruellii.     D  a  1  e  c  h. 

Corydalis 

glauca.     Purs  h. 

Corylus 

Americana.     W  a  n  g  e  n  h  c  i  m.     Hazle-Nut. 
rostrata.     W  i  1 1  d  e  n  o  w. 

Crataegus 

coccinea.     L  i  n  n.      Thorn-bush. 
Crus-Galli.     A  i  t  o  n. 

Crotalaria 

parviflora.     W  i  1 1  d  e  n  o  w. 

sagittalis.     W  i  1 1  d  e  n  o  \v.     Rattle-box. 

Crypta 

minima.     N  u  1 1  a  1 1. 

Cupressus 

Thuioides.     Linn.      White-Cedar. 

Cuscuta 

Americana.     L  i  n  n.     Dodder- 


276  ^ 

Cynoglossiim 

officinale.     Linn.      Hound'' s-tongue. 

Cyperus 

flavescens.     L  i  n  n. 
flavicomus.     Mi  c  h  a  u  x. 
slrigosiis.     Linn, 
virens.     Michaux. 

Cypripedium 

humile.     S  w  a  r  t  z.     Ladies'' -Slipper. 
parviflonim.     S  w  a  r  t  z. 
pubescens.     W  i  1 1  d  e  n  o  w. 
spectabile.      S  w  a  r  t  z. 

Cyrtopogon 

dichotomiis.     Palisot  de  Beauvois. 

Dactylis 

glomerata.     L  i  n  n.     Orchard-grass.     C. 

Danthonia 

spicata.     Palisot  de  Beauvois.      Wild-Oat. 

Datura 

Stramonium.     Linn.     Green-Thorn- Apple.     C. 
Tatula.     Linn.     Purple-Thorn -Apple.     C. 

Daucus 

Carota.     L  i  n  n.     Carrot.     C, 
Decodon 

verticillatus.     Elliott. 

Dentaria 

diphylla.     Michaux. 
laciniata.     Muhlenberg. 

Desmodium 

acuminatum.     DeCandolle. 
bracteosum.     DeCandolle. 
Canadense.     DeCandolle. 
ciliare.     DeCandolle. 
glabellum.     DeCandolle. 
Marilandicum.     DeCandolle. 
nudiflorum.     DeCandolle. 
paniculatum.     DeCandolle. 
rotundifolium.     DeCandolle. 
viridiflorum.     DeCandolle. 

Dianthus 

Armeria.     Linn. 

Dichromena 

leucocephala.     Michaux, 


277 
Dicksonia 

pilosiuscula.      W  i  1 1  d  e  n  o  \v. 

Diclytra 

Cuciilaria.  R  a  f  i  ii  c  s  q  u  e.  D  e  C  a  n  d  o  1 1  e.   Breech- 
es-floiver. 
Diervilla 

Tournefortii.     M  i  c  h  a  u  x.     Dwarf- Honeysuckle. 
Digitaria 

filiformis.     Elliott, 
glabra.     R  cc  m  e  r  and  S  c  h  u  1 1  e  s. 
sanguinalis.     S  c  o  p  o  1  i.     Crab-grass. 
serotina.     M  i  c  h  a  u  x. 

Dioscorea 

villosa.     Linn.     False-Yam. 
Diospyros 

Virginiana.     Linn.     Persimmon. 

Dipsacus 

sylvestris.     Linn.     False-Teasel.     C 
Dirca 

paliistris.     Linn,     heather-wood. 

Draba 

hispidula.     M  i  c  h  a  u  x. 
verna.     Linn. 

Drosera 

filiformis.     Rafinesque. 
longifolia.     Linn, 
rotundifolia.     Linn.     iSun-dew. 

Dulichium 

spathaceum.     P  e  r  s  o  o  n. 

Echium 

vulgare.     L  i  n  n.       • 

Eleusine 

Indica.     L  a  M  a  r  c  k.      Wiregrass. 

Elymiis 

Canadensis.     Linn. 

Hystrix.     Linn. 

villosus.     Muhlenberg.     Lime-grass 

Virginicus.     Linn. 

Epigeea 

repns.      L  i  n  n.      Trailing- Arbutus. 

Epilobium 

coloratimi.     M  u  h  T  e  n  b  e  r  g. 


278 
Epilobium 

lineare.     M  u  li  1  e  n  b  e  r  g. 

palustre.     Linn. 

spicaturD.     LaMarck.      Willoie-herb. 

Epiphegus 

Virginiana.     Beech-drop. 

Equisetum 

arrense,     Linn. 

hyemale.     Linn.     Scourins:-Rush. 

palustre.     Linn. 

65-lvaticum.     Wi  lid  enow. 

uliginosum.     Lino. 

Erigeron 

Bellidifolius.     W 11 1  d  e  n  o  w.     Robert' 6- Plantain. 

Canadensu?.     Linn.     C-olt's-tail. 

heterophyllag.     Muhlenberg. 

Pbiladelphicus.     Linn. 

strigosus.     Muhlenberg. 
Eriocaulon 

pellucidum.     31  i  c  h  a  u  x.     Pipevrort. 
Eriophxiram 

anjrustifolium.  Roth, 
polvctach  yum.  Linn. 
Virginicum.     Linn.     Cotton-grass. 

Ervum 

tetra=permum.     Linn. 
ErMhronium 

Americanum.     Smith-     Adder' s-tongue. 
Eupatorium 

Ageratoides.     Willdenow. 
maculattmi.     Lino. 
perfoUatum.     Linn, 
purpuretmi.     Linn.     Gravelweed. 
sessiliiolium.     Linn, 
trifoliatum.     Linn. 
Verbenifolium.     Michhaux. 
verticillatum.     Willdenow. 

Euphorbia 

Hyjxrricifolia.     Willdenow. 
L'dihyrl-r.     Linn.     Caper-Spurge.     C 
macula  uu     Willdenow. 
Polygonifoha.     Linn. 

Fagus 

ferrofiiiiea.     A  i  t  o  n.     Beech. 


279 

Festuca 

elatior.     Linn, 
nutans.     W  i  1 1  d  e  n  o  w. 

Fragaria 

Virginiana.     Linn.     Strawbcrri/. 

Fraxinus 

acuminata.     L  a  M  a  r  c  k. 
Juglandifolia.     L  a  M  a  r  c  k. 
pubescens.     Walter. 

Fumaria 

officinalis.     Linn.     Fumitory.     C. 

Galeopsis 

Tetrahit.     Linn. 

Galium 

Aparine.     Linn. 
Asprellum.     M  i  c  h  a  u  x. 
boreale.     Linn, 
brachiatum.     P  u  r  s  h. 

CircEEOides.     R  ce  m  e  r    and    Schultes.      Wild-Li- 
quorice. 
micranthum.     P  u  r  s  h. 
obtusum.     B  i  e  e  1  o  w. 
pilosum.     W  i  1 1  d  e  n  o  w. 
tinctorium.     Linn, 
iritidum.     Linn, 
triflorum.     M  i  c  h  a  u  x. 

Gaultlieria 

procumbens.     Linn.      Winter-green 

Gaura 

biennis.     Linn. 
Gentiana 

crinita.     F  r  ce  1  i  c  h.     Fringed-Geiitian. 
iSaponaria.     Linn.     Soap-wort-Gentiav . 

Geranium 

Carolinianuin.     L  i  n  n. 

dissectum.     Linn. 

maculatum.     Linn.     Spotted-Geranium. 

Robertianiim.      Linn.      Her^-R'>hrrt. 

G<  rartiia 

flava.     L  1  II  n. 
maritima.     >"  u  t  t  a  1  i. 
Pe<licularia.     Linn, 
purpurea.     Linn. 
Quercifolia.     P  u  r  s  b 


280 
Geum 

riv^ale.     Linn.      Water-Avens. 
strictum.     Alton. 

virbanum.     Linn.     Herb-Bennet.     C 
Virginianum.     Linn. 

Glechoma 

Hederacea.     Linn.     Gill-groio-by-the-ground. 

Gleditschia 

triacanthos.     Linn.     Honey-Locust. 

Glyceria 

fluitans.     R.  Brow  n. 

Gnaphalium 

decurrens.     E.  Ives, 
margaritaceum.     Linn.     Everlasting. 
Plantagineum.     Lin  n. 
polycephalum.     M  i  c  h  a  u  x. 
purpureum.     W  i  1 1  d  e  n  o  w. 
uliginosum.     Lin  n. 

Gomphocarpus 

lanceolatus.     E.  I  v  e  s. 
viridiflorus.     Sprengel. 

Goodyera 

pubescens.     R.  B  r  o  w  n.     Adders-  Violet. 
repens.     R.  Bio  w  n. 

Gratiola 

aurea.     Muhlenberg. 
Vii-ginica.     Linn. 

Gyromia 

Virginica.     N  u  1 1  a  1 1. 

Habenaria 

bracteata.     R.  B  r  o  w  n. 
ciliaris.     R.  Brow  n. 
fimbriata.     R.  B  r  o  w  n. 
orbiculata.     H  o  o  k  e  r. 
Psychodes.     Sprengel. 

Hamamelis 

Virginica.     L  i  n  n.      Witch-Hazle. 

Hamiltonia 

umbellata.     Sprengel.     False-  Toad-Flax. 

Hedeoma 

Piilegioides.     P  e  r  s  o  o  n.     American-Penny-royal. 

Helenium 

aulumnale.     Linn. 


281 

Helianthemum 

Canadense.     M  i  c  h  a  u  x.     Frost-  Weed. 

Helianthus 

altissimum.     Linn. 

angustifolium.     Linn. 

annuum.     Linn.     Sunflower.     C. 

decapetalum.     Linn. 

divaricatum.     Linn. 

giganteum.     Linn. 

Trachelifolium.     W  i  1 1  d  e  n  o  w. 

tuberosum.     Linn.     Sunflower- Artichoke .     C. 

Helonias 

dioica.     P  u  r  s  h.     {In  reality  a  distinct  genus,   viz. 
Abalon      A  d  a  m  s  o  n. 

albiflorum.     Rafinesque.) 

Hepatica 

acutiloba.     De  Candolle. 

Americana.     Kerr.     De  Candolle.      Liver-wort. 

Heracleum 

lanatum.     M  i  c  h  a  u  x.     Masterwort. 

Heteranthera 

reniformis.     Muhlenberg. 

Heuchera 

Americana.     Linn.     Alum-root. 
Hibiscus 

palustris.     Linn.     Marsh-Mallows. 

Hieracium 

Gronovii.     L  i  n  n. 
Kalmii.     L  i  n  n. 
paniculatuni.     L  i  n  n. 
scabrum.     M  i  c  h  a  u  x. 
venosum.     Linn.     Bloodwort. 
virgatum.     Pursh. 

Horcleum 

jubatum.     Linn, 
vulgare.     Linn.     Barley.     <- . 
Hottonia 

inflata.     Linn. 

Houstonia 

coerulea.     Lin  n. 

Humulus 

Liipulus.     Linn.     Hop.  ■ 

36 


282 
Hydrastis 

Canadensis.     L  i  n  n.      Yellow-rout. 
Hydrocotyle 

Americana.     Linn, 
lincata.     Michaux. 
umbellata.     Linn, 
vulgaris.     Linn. 

Hydropeltis 

purpurea.     Michaux.      Water-Target. 
Hydrophyllum 

appcndiculatura.     Michaux. 
Canadense.     Linn. 

Hyoscyamus 

niorer.     Linn.     Black-Henbane.     C. 

Hypericum 

AscjTOides.     W  i  1 1  d  e  n  o  w. 

Canadense.     Linn. 

corymbosura.     Wi  lid  enow. 

parviflorum.     Willdenow.     Loic-Centaury. 

perforatum.     Linn.     John'  s-wort. 

Virginicum.     Linn. 

Hypopithys 

lanuginosa.     Nuttall. 

Hypoxis 

erecta.     Linn. 

Hyssopiis 

Nepetoides.     Linn. 
Scrofularifolius.     W  i  1 1  d  e  n  o  \\. 

Ictodes 

fcetidus.     B  i  s  e  1  o  \v.     Skunk-Cabbage. 

Ilex 

Canadensis.     Michaux. 
opaca.     A  i  t  o  n. 

Impatiens 

fulva.     Nuttall.     Clear-icort. 

Inula 

Helenium.     Linn.     Elecampane.     C. 

Ipomoea 

purpurea.     L  a  M  a  r  c  k.     Morning-glory.     C. 

Iris 

prismatica.      P  u  r  s  h. 
versicolor.     Linn.     Blue-Flaff. 


•283 

Isanthus 

coeruleum.     M  i  c  h  a  u  x. 

Isnardia 

paliistris.     L  i  n  ii. 

Iva 

Irutescens.     Linn.     High-water-shrub. 
Juglans 

cinerea.     L  i  n  n.     Butternut. 
nigra.     Linn.     Black-walnut. 

Juncus 

acuminatus.     M  i  c  h  a  u  x. 
acutus.     Linn. 

bulbosus.     Linn.     Black-grass. 
efiusus.     Linn.     Bog-rush. 
nodosus.     Linn, 
polycephalus.     M  i  c  h  a  u  x. 
tenuis.     W  i  1 1  d  e  n  o  vv. 

Juniperus 

depressa.     R  a  fines  que.     Dwarf-Juniper. 
Virginiana.     Linn.     Red-Cedar. 

Kalmia 

angustifolia.     Linn.     Dwarf-Laurel. 
latifolia.     Linn.     Broad-leaved-laurel. 
Krigia 

Virginica.     Willdenow. 

Lactuca 

elongata.     Muhlenberg.      Wild-Lettuce. 
integrifolia.     B  i  g  e  1  o  w. 
sanguinea.     B  i  g  e  1  o  w. 

Lamium 

amplexicaule.     Linn. 

Larix 

Americana.     M  i  c  h  a  u  x.     Hackmatack. 

Lasierpa 

hispidula.     T  o  r  r  e  y. 

Lathyrus 

maritimus.     B  i  g  c  1  o  w.     Beach-Pea. 

Laurus 

Benzoin.     L  i  n  n.     Spice-bush. 
Sassafras.     Linn.     Sassafras. 

Lechea 

minor.     L  i  n  n. 

villosa.     Elliott.     Pinweed. 


284 
Lecontia 

Virgiuica.     Cooper. 

Leersia 

lenticularis.     Michaux. 

Oryzoides.     S  w  a  r  t  z. 

Virginica.     W  i  1 1  d  e  n  o  w.      White-g'rass. 

Lemna 

gibba.  Linn, 
minor.  Linn, 
polyrrhiza.     Linn. 

Leotodon 

Taraxacum.     Linn.     Dandelion. 

Leonurus 

Cardiaca.     Linn.     Motherwort.     C. 

Leontice 

Thalictroides.     Linn.     Blue-Cohosh. 

Lepidium 

Virginicum.     L  i  n  n.     Wild-Pepper-Cress, 
Leptandra 

Virginica.     N  u  1 1  a  1 1.     Culver-root, 

Lespedeza 

angustifolia.     N  u  1 1  a  1 1. 
capitata.     Michaux. 
divergens.     Purs  h. 
polystachya.     Michaux. 
procumbens.     Michaux. 
prostrata.     Purs  h. 
reticulata.     Per  soon. 
sessiUflora.     Michaux. 
violacea.     Per  soon. 
Liatris 

scariosa.     Linn. 

Ligustrum 

vulgare.     Linn.     Prim.     C. 

Lilium 

Canadense.     Linn. 
Philadelphicum.     Linn, 
supcrbum.     Linn. 

Limosella 

subulata.     E.  Ives.     Mudwort. 

Linaria 

Canadensis.     S  p  r  e  n  g  e  1. 
vulgaris.     B  a  u  h  i  n.     C 


285 
Lindernia 

attenuata.     Muhlenberg, 
dilatata.     Muhlenberg. 

Linnsea 

borealis.     G  r  o  n  o  ^'  i  u  s. 

Linum 

usitatissimum.     Linn.     Flax.     C. 
Virginianum.     L  i  n  n.      Wild-Flax. 
Liriodendron 

Tulipifera.     L  i  n  n.      White-xoood. 

Lithospermum 

arvense.     Linn. 
Lobelia 

Cardinalis.     Linn.     Cardinal-flower 
Claytoniana.     M  i  c  h  a  u  x. 
inflata.     Linn.     Indian-Tobacco, 
Kalmii.     Linn. 
Syphilitica.     Lin  n. 

Lolium 

perenne.     Linn.     Darnel.     C. 
Lonicera 

grata.     A  i  t  o  n. 
parviflora.     La  M  a  r  c  k. 
sempervirens.     A  i  t  o  n. 

Ludvigia 

macrocarpa.     M  i  c  h  a  u  x. 

Lupinus 

perennis.     Linn.     Blue-Lupine. 
Luzula 

campestris.     W  i  11  d  e  n  o  w. 
Lychnis 

Githago.     Do  Can  doll  e.     Cockle, 

Lycopodium 

Carolinianum.     L  i  n  n. 
clavatum.     Linn, 
complanatum.     Linn, 
dendroideum.     M  i  c  h  a  u  x. 
inundatum.     L  i  n  n. 
lucidulum.     M  i  c  h  a  u  x. 
obscurum.     L  i  n  n. 
rupestre.     L  i  n  n. 

Lycopsis 

arvensis.     L  i  n  n. 


286 

Lycopus 

Virginicus.     L  i  n  n. 

vulgaris.     P  e  r  s  o  o  n.      Water-Hoarhovnd. 

Lygodium 

pal  malum.     S  w  a  r  t  z. 
Lysimachia 

capitata.     Pursh. 
ciliata.     Linn, 
quadrifolia.     L  i  n  n. 
racemosa.     La  M  a r  c  k. 

Lythrum 

Hyssopifolium.     L  i  n  n. 

Malaxis 

Liliifolia.     S  w  a  r  t  z. 

Malus 

coronaria.     Miller.     American-Crab- Apple. 
Malva 

rotundifolia.     Linn.     Mallows. 
sylvestris.     Linn.     C. 

Marrubium 

vulgare.     Linn.     Hoarhound.     C. 

Medicago 

intertexta.     Desrousseaux.     C. 
Lupulina.     Linn.     C. 

Melampyrum 

Americanum.     M  i  c  h  a  u  x.     Cow-  Wheat. 
Melilotus 

alba.     Eaton.      White-Melilot.     C. 
vulgaris.     Eaton.      YeUoio-Melilot.     C, 

Menispermum 

Canadense.     Linn. 

Mentha 

borealis.     M  i  c  h  a  u  x.     Horse-Mint. 

Canadensis.     Linn. 

Piperita.     Hudson.     Pepper-Mint. 

tenuis.     M  i  c  h  a  u  x. 

viridis.     Linn.     Green-Mint. 

Menyanthes 

trifoliata.     Linn. 

Microstylis 

Ophioglossoides.     N  u  1 1  a  1 1. 
Mikania 

scandens.     W  i  1 1  d  e  n  o  w. 


287 
Mimulus 

alatus.     Lin  u. 

ringens.     Linn.     Monkey-fiower. 

Mitchella 

repens.     Linn.     Chickberry. 
Mitella 

cordifolia.     La  M  a  r  c  k. 
diphylla.     L  i  n  n. 

Mollugo 

verticillata.     L  i  n  n.     Carpetweed. 

Momordica 

echinata.     Muhlenberg. 

Monarda 

oblongata.     Alton. 

Monotropa 

Morisoniana.     M  i  c  h  a  u  x. 
uniflora.     Linn. 

Morus 

alba.     Linn.      White- Mulberry.     C. 
rubra.     Linn.     Red-Mulberry. 

Muscari 

racemosum.     Miller.     C. 
Myosotis 

palustris.     Roth. 

Myrica 

Caroliniensis.     W  i  1 1  d  c  n  o  w. 
cerifera.     Lin  n.     Bayberry. 

Myriophyllum 

verticillatum.     Linn. 

Myrrhis 

Canadensis.     M  o  r  i  s  o  n. 

Nasturtium 

amphibium.      li.  B  r  o  w  n. 
officinale.     R.  B  r  o  w  n.     C. 

Nepeta 

Cataria.     Linn.     Catnep.     C. 

Nicandra 

Physaloides.     G  tf  r  t  n  e  r.      Kite-flower.     C. 

Nuphar 

advena.     A  i  t  o  n.      YcUow-pond-Lihj. 
Kalmiana.     A  i  t  o  i\. 


288 
Nymphsea 

odorata.     A  i  I  o  n.      White-pond- Lily. 

Nyssa 

aqualica.     Linn.     Pepperidge. 
villosa.     M  i  c  h  a  u  X. 

CEnothera 

biennis.     Linn, 
chrysantha.     Michaux. 
fruticosa.     Linn, 
pumila.     Linn, 
pusilla.     Michaux. 

Onoclea 

sensibilis.     Linn. 

Onopordon 

Acanthium.     Linn.     C. 

Onosmodium  ♦ 

hispidum.     Michaux. 

Ophioglossum 

vulgatum.     Linn. 

Opuntia 

vulgaris.     Miller.    D  e  C  a  n  d  o  1 1  e.     Prickly-Pear. 
Orchis 

fuscescens.     Sprengel. 
Origanum 

vulgare.     Linn.     Marjoram. 
Ornithogalum 

umbellatuni.     Linn.     C 
Orobanche 

uniflora.     Linn. 

Orontium 

aquaticum.     Linn.     Golden-cluh. 

Oryzopsis 

asperifolia.     Michaux. 

Osmunda 

Cinnamomea.     Linn, 
interrupta.     Michaux. 
spectabilis.     W  i  1 1  d  e  n  o  \v. 

Ostrya 

"Virginica.     Willdenow.     Ironwood., 

Oxalis 

Acetosella.     Linn.      Wood-Sorrcl. 
stricta.     Linn, 
violacea.     L  i  n  u. 


289 
Oxycoccus 

macrocarpus.     P  u  r  s  h.     Crane-berry. 
vulgaris.     P  e  r  s  o  o  n. 

Panax 

quinquefolia.     Linn.     Ginseng. 
trifolia.     Linn. 

Panicum 

capillare.     Linn. 
Crus-Galli.     Lin  n. 
dichotomum.     Lin  n. 
latifolium.     Linn, 
nitidum.     L  a  M  a  r  c  k. 
prolifenim.     L  a  M  a  r  c  k. 
virgatum.     Linn. 

Parnassia 

Caroliniana.     M  i  c  h  a  u  x. 

Paspalum 

setaceum.     M  i  c  h  a  u  x. 
Pastinaca 

sativa.     Linn.     Parsnip.     C. 
Pedicularis 

Canadensis.     Linn, 
pallida.     P  u  r  s  h. 

Penthorum 

Sedoides.     Linn. 

Pentstemon 

pubescens.     W  i  1 1  d  e  n  o  w. 

Phalaris 

Americana.     Elliott. 

Canariensis.     Linn.     Ribband-grass.     C. 

Phaseolus 

perennis.     Walter, 
trilobiis.     Roth. 

Phleum 

pratense.     Linn.     Timothy. 
Phragmites 

communis.     T  r  i  n  i  u  s. 

Phryma 

leptostachya.     Linn. 

Physalis 

obscura.     M  i  c  h  a  u  x.     Ground-Cherry. 
Pennsylvanica.     L  i  n  n. 

37 


290 

Phytolacca 

decandra.     L  i  n  n.     Poke-weed.     C. 

Pinus 

rigida.     L  i  n  n.      Yellow-Pine. 
Strobus.     Linn.      White-Pine. 

Plantago 

cordata.     L  a  M  a  r  c  k. 
lanceolata.     Linn.     Ribwort.     C. 
major.     Linn.     Plantain.     C. 
maritima.     Lin  n. 
Virginica.     Linn. 

Platanus 

occidentalis.     Linn.     Button-wood. 

Poa 

annua.     L  i  n  n. 

Canadensis.     T  o  r  r  e  y. 

capillaris.     Linn. 

compressa.     L  i  n  n.     Bluegrass. 

Eragrostis.     L  i  n  n.  ^ 

nemoralis.     L  i  n  n. 

nervata.     W  i  1 1  d  e  n  o  w. 

pectinacea.     M  i  c  h  a  u  x.  **' 

pratensis.     Linn. 

reptans.     M  i  c  h  a  u  x.  ^ 

spectabilis.     P  u  r  s  h. 

trivialis.     Linn. 

Pogonia 

Ophioglossoides.     R.  Brown, 
verticillata.     R.  Brow  n. 

Polanisia 

gra  veolens.     Rafinesque.     DeCandollc. 

Polygala 

cruciata.     L  i  n  n. 

paucifolia.     W  i  1 1  d  e  n  o  w.  ^ 

polygama.     Walter.     Low-Centaxiry.  -MK^ 

purpurea.     N  u  1 1  a  1  ^. 

sanguinea.     Linn. 

verticillata.     L  i  n  n. 

Polygonatum 

multiflorum.     D  c  s  f  o  n  t  a  i  n  e  s. 

Polygonum  ,% 

Arifolium.      Linn. 

articulatum.     L  i  a  n. 

aviculare.     Linn.      Knotgrass. 

Bistortoide.?.     P  u  r  >?  h,  ''      \ 


291 

Polygonum 

cilinode.     Michaux. 

coccineum.     W  i  1 1  d  e  n  o  w- 

Convolvulus.     Linn. 

Fagopyrum.     Linn.     Buck-  Wheat.     C. 

maritimum.     Elliott. 

mite.     P  e  r  s  0  o  n. 

orientale.     Linn.     Jack''s-Pride.     C. 

Pennsylvanicum.     Linn. 

Persicaria.     Lin  n.     Hearfs-ease. 

punctatum.     Elliott.      Water-Pepper. 

sagittatum.     Linn.     Scratch-grass. 

scandens.     Linn. 

Virginianuni.     Linn. 

Polymnia 

Canadensis.     Linn. 

Polypodium 

connectile.     W  i  1 1  d  e  n  o  w. 
vulgare.     L  i  n  n. 

Pontederia 

cordata.     L  i  n  n.     Pickerel-weed. 

Populus 

angulata.     W  i  1 1  d  e  n  o  w. 
balsamifera.     L  i  n  n. 
Betulifolia.     P  u  r  s  h. 
candicans.     Alton. 

dilatata.     Alton.     Lombardy-Poplar.     C. 
grandidentata.     Michaux. 
hetcrophylla.     Linn. 
*      tremuloides.     M  i  c  h  a  u  ^.     Amcrican-Aspcn. 

Portulaca 

oleracca.     L  i  n  n.     Purslane.     C. 
Potamogetoii 

diversifolius.     Barton, 
fluitans.     L  i  n  n. 
gramineus.     Michaux. 
heterophyllus.     S  c  h  r  e  b  c  r. 
lucens.     Linn, 
natans.     Linn, 
pauciflorus.     P  u  r  s  h. 
pectinatus.     L  i  n  n. 
perfoliatus.     Linn. 

Potentilla 

anseiina.     L  i  n  n. 
argentea.     L  i  n  n. 


292 

Potentilla 

Canadensis.     Linn. 

Norvcgica.     Linn. 

Pcnnsylvanica.     Linn. 

simplex.     Michaux.     Five-finger^ 

Prenanthes 

alba.     Linn.     White-Lettuce. 
altissima.     Linn, 
cordata.     W  i  1 1  d  e  n  o  w. 
rubicunda.     W  i  11  d  e  n  o  w. 
Serpentaria.     P  u  r  s  h. 
virgata.     Michaux. 

Prinos 

ambiguus.     Michaux. 

glaber.     Linn. 

verticillatus.     L  i  n  n.     Black- Alder, 

Proserpinaca 

palustris.     Linn. 

Prunella 

vulgaris.     Linn. 

Pteris 

aquilina.     Lin  n.     Brake. 

Pulmonaria 

Virginica.     Linn.  ,- 

Pycnanthemum 

aristatum.     M  i  c  h  a  u  x, 

incanum.     Michaux.     Mountain-Mint. 

lanceolatum.     Purs  h. 

Linifolium.     P  u  r  s  b.      Wild-Hyssop.  '* 

Pyrola 

minor.     Linn, 
rotundifolia.     Linn, 
secunda.     Linn. 

Quercus 

alba.     L  i  n  n.      White-Oak. 

Banisteri.     Michaux.     Shrub-Oak. 

bicolor.     Willdenow.     Swamp- White-Oak. 

roccinea.     W  a  n  g  e  n  h  c  i  m.     Scarlet-Oak. 

discolor.     Willdenow. 

montana.     Willdenow.     Rock-Chestnut-Oak. 

Prinoides.     Willdenow.     Dwarf -Chestnut-Oak. 

Prinos.     Willdenow.     Swamp-Chestnut^Oak. 

rubra.     Linn.     Red-Oak. 

tinctoria.     B  a  r  I  r  a  m.     Black-Oak. 


293 

Ranunculus 

abortivus.     Linn. 

acris.     L  i  n  n.     Butter 'Cup-Crow-foot. 

bulbosus.     L  i  n  n. 

fascicularis.     Muhlenberg. 

filiformis.     M  i  c  h  a  u  x. 

Flammula.     L  i  n  n. 

fluviatilis.     Linn.      W at  er- Butter -cwp. 

lacustris.      Beck  and  Tracy.       Yellow-Water-hut- 

tcr-cup. 
lanuginosus.     Linn.  v 

nitidus.     Walter. 
Philonotis.     R  e  t  z. 
recurvatus.     Linn, 
repens.     L  i  n  n. 
sceleratus.     L  i  n  n. 

Raphanus 

Raphanistrum.     L  i  n  n.     Charlock.     C 

Rhexia 

Mariana.     L  i  n  n. 
Virginica.     Linn. 

Rhododendron 

nudiflorum.     T  o  r  r  e  y.     Rcd-Swamp-Honey-svckh'. 
viscosum.     T  o  r  r  e  y.      White-Swamp-Honcy-svckle. 

Rhodora 

Canadensis.     Linn. 

Rhus 

Copallina.     L  i  n  n.     Dxoarf-Snmach. 
glabra.     Linn.     Smooth-Sumach. 
radicans.     Linn.     Climhin  g-Sumach. 
Toxicodendron.     Linn.     Poison-tree. 
typhina.     Linn.     Stag''s-horn-Suviach. 
venenata.     D  e  C  a  n  d  o  1 1  e.     Swamp'Sitmach. 

Rhynchospora 

alba.     V  a  h  1. 
glomerata.     Vahl. 

Ribes 

Cynosbati.     J  a  c  q  u  i  n. 

floridum.     L'H  c  r  i  t  i  e  r.     Black-C arrant. 

lacustre.     P  e  r  s  o  o  n.     Swamp-Goose-hcrry. 

Oxyacanthoidcs.     Linn. 

rubrum.     Linn.     Red-Currant.    V. 

Robinia 

Pseud-Acacia.     Linn.     Locust-tree. 


294 

Rochelia 

Lappula.     R  oe  m  u  r    and    S  c  h  u  1 1  e  s. 
Virffiniana.     11  oc  m  u  r    and    S  c  h  ii  1 1  e  s. 


Rosa 
Rubus 


Carolina.     Linn.     Sioamp-Rose. 
rubiffinosa.     Linn.     Sweet-Briar. 


Canadensis.     Linn, 
flagellaris.     W  i  1 1  d  e  n  o  \v. 
frondosus.     B  i  g  e  1  o  w. 
occidentalis.     Linn.      Thimhle-herry . 
odoratus.     Lin  n.     Rose-Raspberry. 
strigosus.     M  i  c  h  a  II  X.     Red-Raspberry. 
trivialis.     M  i  c  h  a  u  x.     Dew-berry. 
villosus.     A  i  t  o  n.     Blackberry. 

Rudbeckia 

hirta.     Lin  n. 

laciniata.     W  i  1 1  d  e  n  o  w. 

Rumex 

Acetosa.     L  i  n  n.     Garden-Sorrel.     C. 
Acetosella.     L  i  n  n.     Sheep-Sorrel. 
alpinus.     L  i  n  n.     Monk^s- Rhubarb.     C. 
Britanica.     L  i  n  n. 
crispus.     Linn. 

obtusifolius.     Lin  n.     Broad^leaved-Dock. 
Patientia.     Lin  n.     Patience.     C. 
sanguineus.     Linn.     Olcott-root. 
verticillatus.     L  i  n  n. 

Ruppia 

maritima.     L  i  n  n. 

Sagina 

procumbens. 
Sagittaria 

acutifolia.     P  u  r  s  h. 

graminea.     M  i  c  h  a  u  x. 

hastata.     P  u  r  s  h. 

heterophylla.     Purs  h. 

obtusa.     Muhlenberg. 

pusilla.     N  u  1 1 al  1. 

rigida.     Purs  h. 

sagittifolia.     Linn.     Arroio-wort. 

Salicornia 

herbacea.     Linn. 

Salix 

alba.     Linn.      White -Willow.     C- 


% 


295 

Salix 

Babylonica.     Linn.      Weeping-WUluw.     (' 
eriocephala.     M  i  c  h  a  u  x.     Ruse-  Willuw. 
falcata.     P  u  r  s  h. 
grisea.     W  i  1 1  d  e  n  o  w. 
lucida.     W  i  1 1  d  e  n  o  w. 
Muhlcnbergiana.     W  i  1 1  d  e  n  o  w. 
Myricoides.     M  u  li  1  e  n  b  e  r  g. 
nigra.     W  i  1 1  d  e  n  o  w. 
obovata.     P  u  r  s  h. 

vitellina.     Linn.      Yellow-  Willow.     C 
Salsola 

Caroliniana.     Walter, 
Kali.     L  i  n  n. 

Sambucus 

Canadensis.     Linn.     Black-Elder. 
piibens.     M  i  c  h  a  u  x.     Red-Elder. 

Samoliis 

Valerandi.     L  i  n  n. 

Sanguinaria 

Canadensis.     L  i  n  n.     Blood-root. 

Sanguisorba 

Canadensis.     L  i  n  n. 

Sanicula 

Marilandica.     L  i  n  n.     Saniclc. 

Saponaria 

oflicinalis.     Linn.     Suap-wort.     C. 

Sarothra 

Hypericoides.     N  u  1 1  a  1 1.     Orange-grass. 

Sarraccnia 

purpurea.     L  i  n  n.     Side-saddle-flower. 
Saururus 

cernuus.     Linn.     Lizard's-tail. 

Saxifraga 

Pennsylvanica.     Linn.      Water-Saxifrage. 
Virginicnsis.     M  i  c  h  a  u  x.     Rock-Saxifrage 

Schollera 

graminifolia.     W  i  1 1  d  c  n  o  w. 

Scirpus 

acicularis.     L  i  n  n. 
acutus.     Muhlenberg. 
Americanus.     P  c  r  s  o  o  n. 
brunneus.     M  u  h  1  c  n  Ij  c  r  g. 


296 

Scirpus  ' 

capillaris.     Linn, 
debilis.     Muhlenberg. 
Eriophorum.     M  i  c  h  a  u  x. 
lacustris.     Linn, 
macrostachyos.     Muhlenberg, 
palustris.     Linn, 
pusillus.     V  a  h  I. 
subsquarrosus.     Muhlenberg, 
tenuis.     W  i  1 1  d  e  n  o  w. 

Scleranthus 

annuum.     Linn.  Knawell. 
Scrofularia 

Marilandica.     Linn. 

Scutellaria 

galericulata.     Linn.     Scull-cap. 
gracilis.     N  u  1 1  a  1 1. 
integrifolia.     Linn, 
lateriflora.     Linn. 

Secale 

Cereale.     Linn.     Rye.     C. 

Senecio 

aureus.     W  i  1 1  d  e  n  o  w.     False-  Valerian. 
Balsamita.     Willdenow. 
Hieracifolius.     Linn.     Fire-weed. 
vulgaris.     Linn.     Groundsel.     C. 

Senebiera 

pinnatifida.     D  e  C  a  n  d  o  1 1  e.     C. 

Setaria 

glauca.     Palisot  de   Beauvois. 
verticillata.     Palisot  de  Beauvois. 

Sicyos 

angulata.     Linn.     0/ie-seeded-Cucumber. 

Sida 

Abutilon.     L  i  n  n.     C. 

Silene 

Antirrhina.     Linn. 

inflata.      Smith. 

Pennsylvanica.     M  i  c  h  a  u  x.      Wild-Pink. 

stellata.     A  i  t  o  n. 

Sinapis 

alba.     Linn.      White-Mustard.     C. 
nigra.     Linn.     Black-Mustard.     C. 


297 

Sison 

aureus.     Sprengel. 
capillaceus.     Sprengel. 
integerrimus.     Sprengel. 

Sisymbrium 

canescens.     N  u  1 1  a  1 1. 

officinale.     S  c  o  p  o  1  i.     Hedge-Mustard. 

Sophia.     Linn.     C. 

Sisyrinchium 

anceps.     C  a  v  a  n  i  1 1  e  s. 

Simn 

latifolium.     Linn.      Water-Parsnip. 
lineare.     M  i  c  h  a  u  x. 

Smilacina 

Canadensis.     P  u  r  s  h. 
racemosa.     Desfontaines. 
stellata.     Desfontaines. 
trifolia.     Desfontaines. 
umbellata.     Desfontaines. 

Smilax 

herbacea.     Linn, 
peduncularis.     Muhlenberg, 
rotundifolia.     Linn.     Green-brier. 

Smyrnium 

cordatum. .    Walter. 

Solaniim 

Dulcamara.     Linn.     Bitter-sweet. 
nigrum.     Linn.     Black-Nightshade. 

Solidago 

altissima.     W  i  1 1  d  e  n  o  w.     Golden-rod. 

aspera.     Alton. 

axillarirf.     Pursh. 

bicolor.     Linn. 

Canadensis.     Linn. 

caesia.     Alton. 

flexicaulis.     Linn. 

gigantea.     Alton. 

graminifolia.     N  u  1 1  a  1 1. 

Juncea.     W  i  11  d  e  n  o  w. 

laevigata.     Alton. 

lanceolata.     Linn.     [S.  graminifol    Nntf. 

latifolia.     M  u  h  1  e  n  b  e  r  g. 

odora.     A  i  t  o  n. 

patula.     M  u  h  1  e  n  h  e  r  g. 

^  38 


298 

Solidago 

recurvata.     Willdenow. 
rigida.     Linn, 
scabra.     Willdenow. 
sempervirens.     Linn, 
serotina.     Willdenow. 
stricta.     Willdenow. 
Ulmifolia.     Willdenow. 
villosa.     Pursh. 
virgata.     M  i  c  h  a  u  x. 
Virg-aurea.     Linn. 

Sonchus 

arvensis.     Linn. 

oleraceus.     Linn.     Sow-Thistle. 

Sparganium 

ramosum.     S  w  a  r  t  z.     Burr-Reed. 

Spartina 

Cynosuroidcs.     Willdenow. 
glabra.     Muhlenberg.     Sedge 
Juncea.     Willdenow. 

Spergula 

arvensis.     Linn.     Spurry. 
Saginoides.     Linn. 

Spiraea 

Salicifolia.     Linn. 

tomentosa.     Linn.     Hardhack^ 

Spiranthes 

cernua.  Richard, 
gracilis.  B  i  g  e  1  o  vv\ 
tor  tills.     Richards 

Stachys 

aspera.     M  i  c  h  a  u  x.     Hedge-Nettle. 

Staphylea 

trifolia.     Linn.     Bladder-nut. 

Statice 

Caroliniana.     Walter.     Marsh- Rosemary, 

Stellaria 

longifolia.     M  u  h  1  e  n  b  e  r  g, 
media.     S  m  i  t  li.     Chickweed. 
pubera.     M  i  c  h  a  u  x. 

Stipulicida 

sclacca.      M  i  c  h  a  u  x. 

Streptopus 

rose  us.     M  i  c  Ii  a  u  x 


299 
Symphytum 

officinale.     Linn.     Comfrey.     C. 

Tanacetum 

vulgare.     L  i  n  n.     Tansy.     C. 
Tephrosia 

Virginiana.     P  e  r  s  o  o  n.     GoaVs-Ruc. 

Teucrium 

Canadense.     Linn.      Wood-Sage. 

Thalictrum 

Corynellum.     DeCandolle. 
dioicum.     Linn.     Meadow-Rue. 

Tiarella 

cordifolia.     L  in  n.     Mitre-wort. 
Tilia 

pubescens.     Ventenat.     Bast-tree. 
Tillsea 

ascendens.     Eaton. 
Tragopogon 

Porrifolius.     Linn.     Salsify.     C. 
Trichodium 

laxiflorum.     M  i  c  h  a  u  x. 

Trichostema 

dichotoma.     Linn. 

Tricuspis 

Seslerio'ides.     T  o  r  r  e  y. 

Trientalis 

Americana.     Purs  h. 
Trifolium 

arvense.     Linn.     Hare^s-foot. 
pratense.     Linn.     Red-Clover. 
procumbens.     Linn.      Yellow-Clover. 
reflexum.     Linn, 
repens.     Linn.      White-Clover. 
Triglochin 

maritimum.     Linn.     Arrow-grass. 

Trillium 

cernumn.     T  o  r  r  e  y. 
ercctum.     Linn. 

Triosteum 

perfoliatum.     Linn.     False-Gentian. 

Tripsacum 

Dactyloides.     VV  i  1 1  d  e  n  o  w. 


300 

Turritis 

glabra.      Linn.     C. 

Tussilago 

Farfava.     Linn.     CoWs-foot.     C, 

Typha 

latifolia.     Linn.     Cat-tail-Flag. 

Ulmus 

Americana.     Linn.     Elm. 
fulva,     M  i  c  h  a  u  X.     Slippery-Elm. 
Uniola 

spicata.     Linn. 

Urospermum 

Claytoni.     N  ii  1 1  a  1 1.     Sweet-Cicely. 
hirsutuni.     B  i  g  e  1  o  w. 

Urtica 

Canadensis.     Linn, 
dioica.     Linn.     Great-Nettle. 
pumila.     W  i  1 1  d  e  n  o  w.     Stingless-Nettle. 
urens.     Linn.     Dwarf-Nettle. 
Utricularia 

setacea.     IMichaux. 
vulgaris.     L  i  n  n. 

Uvularia 

perfoliata.     Linn, 
sessilifolia.     Linn. 

Vaccinium 

corymbosiim.     L  i  n  n.     Blue-  Whor tie-berry. 

Pensylvanicum.     LaMarck. 

resinosum.     Alton.     Black-  Whortle-berry. 

Vallisneria 

spiralis.     Linn.      Tapeweed. 

Veratrum 

viride.     Ait  on.     Green-Hellebore. 

Verbascum 

Blattaria.  Lin  n.  Moth-Mullein. 
Thapso'ides.  W  i  1 1  d  e  n  o  vv.  C. 
Thapsus.     Linn.     Great- Mullein.     C. 

Verbena 

angustifolia.     Michaux.     Dwarf- Vervain. 

hasiata.     Linn.     Blue-Vervain. 

spuria.     Linn. 

Urticifolia.     Linn.     Nettle-leaved-Vervain. 

Vernonia 

Nov-Eboracensis.     Linn. 


301 

Veronica 

Anagallis.     Linn. 

arvensis.     Linn. 

Beccabunga.     Linn.     Brooklime. 

officinalis.     Linn. 

peregrina,     L  i  n  n. 

scutellata.     L  i  n  n. 

Serpyllifolia.      Linn. 

Viburnum 

Acerifoliuni.     Linn. 

dentatum.     L  i  n  n.     Arrow-wood. 

edule.     Pursh. 

Lentago.     Linn. 

nudum.     Linn. 

Oxycoccus.     Pursli.     High-Craneherry. 

Vicia 

Cracca.     Linn. 

Villarsia 

lacunosa.     V  e  n  t  e  n  a  1. 

Viola 

acuta.     B  i  g  e  1  o  w. 

blanda.     Willdenow. 

Canadensis.     Linn. 

cuculata.     A  i  t  o  n.     Blue-  Violet. 

lanceolata.     Linn. 

Muhlenbergii.     T  o  r  r  e  y. 

ochroleuca.     S  c  h  w  e  i  n  i  t  z. 

ovata.     Nuttall. 

palmata.     Linn. 

pedata.     Linn.     Parsley -Violet. 

Primulifolia.     Linn. 

pubesccns.     A  i  t  o  n.      Yellow-  Violet. 

sagittata.     A  i  t  o  n. 

tricolor.     Linn.     Pansey. 

Vitis 

aestivalis.     M  i  c  h  a  u  x.     Sinnmer-Grape. 
cordifolia.     M  i  c  h  a  u  x.     Frost-Grape. 
Labrnsca.     L  i  n  n.      Fox-Grape. 

Woodwardia 

Virginica.     Willdenow. 

Xanthium 

Strumarium.     Linn. 

Xylosteum 

riliatum.     Purs  li.      Fly-Honeysvckle. 


302 

Xyris 

rtexuosa.     Elliott. 

Zannichellia 

palustiis.     Linn.  *     . 

Zanthoxylum 

Fraxineum.     W  i  1 1  d  e  n  o  w.     Prickly-Ash 
Zizania 

aquatica.     P  u  r  s  h.      Wild-Rice. 
Miliacea.     M  i  c  h  a  u  x. 

Zostera 

marina.     Linn.     Eel-grass. 

Total  number  of  species,  1156. 


SECTION     VII. 

REGISTER    OF    HEALTH. 

In  reply  to  a  note,  addressed  by  the  author  to  his  friend,  Doct. 
Henry  D.  Butkley,  Clerk  of  the  Medical  Association  of  New 
Haven,  he  has  been  furnished  with  the  following  satisfactory  re- 
ply. The  table  is  more  complete  than  was  anticipated,  as  no  le- 
gal obligation  rests  on  the  members  of  the  Medical  Society,  to 
keep  a  register,  and  no  provision  is  made  for  defraying  its  expense. 

As  the  note  addressed  to  Doct.  Bulkley,  explains  as  well  the 
nature  and  intent  of  the  inquiries,  as  their  connection  with  this 
treatise,  a  copy  of  the  correspondence  is  subjoined. 

To  Doct.  Henry  D.  Bulkley, 

Clerk  of  the  Medical  Association  of  the   City  of  New  Haven. 

Dear  Sir. — I  mentioned  to  you  several  days  since,  that  I  was 
desirous  to  obtain  from  some  official  source,  a  bill  of  mortality 
of  this  city  for  ten  or  twenty  years  past,  and  requested  your  good 
offices,  in  conjunction  with  those  of  your  predecessor,  (Dr.  Dow,) 
in  giving  me  the  information.  From  the  loose  manner,  in  which 
the  medical  statistics  of  the  city  were  formei-ly  noted,  I  was  fear- 
ful that  I  was  soliciting  from  your  friendship,  a  statement,  that 
might  occasion  some  trouble  in  the  compilation.  Doctor  Dow 
informs  me,   that  you  have  been  enabled  to  procure  more  com- 


303 

plete  information  in  relation  to  the  'subject  of  my  iaiimry  ihun  Im 
had  anticipated. 

To  relieve  you  from  any  unnecessary  trouble,  I  will  state  more 
particularly  my  object  and  the  extent  of  ray  wishes. 

In  connection  with  the  prosperity  of  New  Haven,  its  long  es- 
tablished character  as  a  place  for  the  education  of  youth,  cannot 
be  disregarded  by  its  citizens.  I  refer  to  its  advantages  both  in 
the  elementary  and  higher  branches  of  instruction.  A  consider- 
able portion  of  our  population,  is  composed  of  students  of  both 
sexes,  who  are  temporarily  residing  here,  for  the  purpose  of  ed- 
ucation. Having  recently  bestowed  some  attention  on  this  sub- 
ject, I  am  desirous,  in  the  event  of  publishing  the  result  of  my 
investigations,  to  annex  such  a  statement  of  facts  with  regard  to 
the  health  of  the  city,  as  may  be  deemed  important  to  the  parents 
and  friends  of  pupils  who  may  be  sent  here  for  the  purpose  of 
instruction. 

A  period  of  time  not  less  than  ten  and  not  exceeding  twenty 
years,  would  probably  be  sufficient  for  my  purpose. 

The  general  inquiries,  to  which  I  am  desirous  of  procuring 
an  accurate  answer  ai'C  the  following : 

Ist.  What  have  been  the  number  of  deaths  in  New  Haven  in 
each  year,  say  for  ten  or  fifteen  years  last  past. 

2d.  The  ages  and  sex  of  those  who  have  died. 

3d.  The  number  who  have  died  in  each  year  who  Mcrc  mem- 
bers of  Yale  College. 

4th.  The  proportion  of  deaths  to  population  at  the  several 
times. 

5th.  The  prevailing  diseases,  and  particularly  wheliier  any  of 
a  contagious  or  infectious  character  arc  peculiar  or  connnt)M  to 
this  location. 

I  am  so  fully  aware  of  your  better  skill  in  arranging  a  tabic. 
that  will  meet  my  wishes,  that  I  deem  it  unnecessary  to  niUi 
into  further  particulars.  If  you  can,  with  the  aid  of  Dorlor  r)t)\\ , 
furnish  the  facts  referred  tu  iu  llic  above  iiiijiiiriej^,  I  shiill  fit! 
highly  senaiblc  of  your  kindness. 

Youi  friend  and  ulKdiciil  iicrvaiil, 

E.     IjAI.II\\IN 
I'cbruaiv  yih,  iSol. 


304 


New  Haven,  March  19,  1831. 


To  Ebenezer   Baldwin,  Esq. 

Respected  Sir. — In  reply  to  a  part  of  the  inquiries  contained 
in  your  note  of  9th  ult.  I  send  you  the  annexed  statement  of  the 
bill  of  mortality  for  the  city  of  New  Haven  for  twenty  years, 
ending  Dec.  31,  1830.  I  am  indebted  to  my  friend  Doct.  Dow, 
for  his  assistance,  and  we  have  endeavored  to  obtain  the  facts  from 
such  sources  only  as  may  be  regarded  authentic.  The  deaths  in 
Hotchkisstown  and  Fair  Haven,  are  not  included  in  this  state- 
ment. With  much  respect,  your  obedient  servant, 

Henry  D.  Bulkley, 

Clerk  Med.  Associat.  JV.  Haven. 


1811— Total  121.  Of  these  11  were 
strangers.  Of  this  number  14  died 
at  the  Alms  House,  and  tlieir  ages 
are  not  recorded.  Of  the  remainder 
there  were — 

Under    5  yrs.    40.  Betw.50&    GO,  5. 


1814— Total    100.     Of  this  number   2 

were  members  of  College. 
Under     .5  yrs.    27.  Betw.50  &    60,    5. 
Betwn.    5&10,    4.      "      60"    70,14. 


Betwn.  5&10,  1. 
"  10  "  20,  5. 
"  20  "30, 15. 
«  .30  «  40. 10. 
"      40  "  50,  11. 


60 
70 
80 
90 


70,  9. 

80,  7. 

90,  4. 

100,  0. 


10  "  20,  8. 
20  "  30, 10. 
30  "  40, 13. 
40  "  50,    9. 


70  "  80,  6. 
80  "  90,  3. 
90  "  100,    1. 


1812— Total  91.  Of  these  14  were 
blacks,  whose  ages  are  not  mentioned. 
Of  the  remainder  there  were — 

Under     5  yrs.    34.  Betw.50  &    60,7. 


Betwn.    5&10,  4. 

«       10  "  20,  2. 

"      20  '■■  30,  5. 

"      30  "  40,  4. 

"      40  "  50,  4. 


60  "    70 

70  "    SO,  8, 

80  "    90,  2, 

90  "100,  2. 


1815— Total  213.  Of  these  2  were 
members  of  College,  and  3  were 
strangers. 

Under     5  yrs.    121.  Betw.50  &   60,   9. 


Betwn.  5&10,  18. 

"      10  "  20,  15. 

"      20  "  30,  7. 

"      30  "  40,  15. 

"      40  "  50,  7. 


60  "  70,  9. 
70  "  80,11. 
80  "  90,  0. 
90  "  100,    1. 


181G— Total    82.     Of  these     10    were 

blacks. 
Under     5  yrs.    28.   Betw.   .50^60,4. 
Betwn.  5&10,    3.        "      60  "  70,4. 

"      10"  20,    4.        "      70  "  80,  7. 

"      20  "  30,    7. 

"      30  "  40, 17. 

"       40"  50,    8. 

1817 — Total  77.     Including  one  stran- 
I  ger. 

Under      5  yrs     80.  Betw.50  &    60,  17.  Under     5  yrs.    22.  Betw.50  &    60,    5. 


1813— Total  228.  Of  these  4  were 
members  of  College,  and  11  died  in 
the  Alms  House  :  the  ages  of  these 
are  not  mentioned.  Of  the  remain- 
der there  were — 


Betwn.  5  &  10,    9. 

•      60  ' 

70,  14. 

Betwn 

.  5&  10,    4. 

"     60  ' 

70, 

7. 

'•       10  "20, 12. 

•      70  ' 

80,  16. 

" 

10  "  20,    5. 

•'     70  ' 

80, 

10. 

"•      20  '^  30,  15. 

'      80  ' 

90,    3.       •• 

20  "  30,    3. 

"     80  ' 

90, 

0. 

'•      30  "  40,  26. 

•      90  ' 

•  100,    2.,      " 

30  '•  40,  11. 

-     90' 

100, 

1. 

■•       10  '•  50,  19. 

" 

10  "  50,    9. 

.305 


1819— Total  103.     I  can  find  no  paitic- 1826— Total    151.     Of   tlic^c    3   wcro 
ulars  on  record  for  this  year.  |  members  of  Collcfjc. 

1  yr.  and  under,  23  Betw.  40  St    50, 14. 


1820— Total   135.     Of  these    ."    were' 

strangers. 
Under     5  yrs.     62.  Betw.  50  &    60,  6.1 


Betwn. 


Betwn.   5  &  10,    4. 

"     60 

"      10  "  20,  12. 

"     70 

"      20  "  30,  13. 

"     80 

"      30  "40,  11. 

"     90 

«      40  «  50,  12. 

1821— Total    127. 

Of 

these 

1  &    5, 15. 

5  "  10,  7. 
10  "  20,  11. 
20  "  30,  23. 
30  "  40,  23. 


50  "  GO,  12. 
60  "  70,  8. 
70  "  80,  12. 
80  "  90,  1. 
90  "  100,    2. 


4   were 
strangers,  and  one  was  a  member  of 
College. 
1  yr.  and  under,  21.  Betw.  40  &    50,  10. 


70,  6. 

go'  2.^827 — Total  115.     One  of  these  a  mem- 
jqq'  o'I  her  of  College. 

'    "ilyr.  and  under,  27.  Betw.  40  &    50,11. 
"  50  "    60,  14. 

60  "  70,  7. 
70  "  80,  10. 
80  "  90,  5. 
90  "  100,    1. 


Betwn.    1&    5,14. 

"         5  "10,    7. 

10  "20,  15. 

"       20  "30,  15. 

30  "  40,  13. 


50 
60 
70 
80 
90 


60,  14 
70,  7. 
80,  4. 
90,  6. 
100,    1. 


Betwn.  1&  5,  7. 
5  "  10,  3. 
10 
20 


20,    7. 
30,    9. 


30  «  40, 14, 


1828- 


Totall46.     Ofthese  2  were  stu- 
dents.       , 
1  yr.  and  under,  34.  Betw.  40  &    50,  13. 
Betwn. 


1822— Total  144.     Of  these  one   was  a 

member  of  College. 
1  yr.  and  under,  46.  Betw.  40  &    50,  7 
Betwn. 


1  &   5,  23. 

«      50  " 

60, 

6. 

5  "  10,    6. 

'      60" 

70, 

7 

10  "20,  13.      ' 

'      70  " 

80, 

7 

20  "  30,  15.      ' 

'      80." 

90, 

4. 

30"  40,  10. 

1823— Total  110. 


1  yr.  and  under,  21.  Betw.40  &    50,    6. 

■      50  "    60,  17. 

60  "  70,  8. 
70  "  80,  15. 
80  "  90,  2. 
90  "  100,    1. 


Betwn.    1  &    5, 12 

5  "  10,    4 

«       10  "  20,    4 

«       20 

"       30 


Betwn.    1  &   5,  22. 

5  "  10,  10. 

10  "  20,    8. 

20  "  30,  15. 

30  "  40,  16. 

1830- 


30,    7. 
40,  13. 


1824— Total  141. 
1  yr.  and  under,  34.  Betw.40  &    50,14 


Betwn.    1&    5,19. 

5"  10,    5. 

10  "  20,   8. 

20  "  .30, 10. 

30  "  40, 16. 


50  "  60, 
60  "  70, 
70  "  80, 
80  "  90, 
90  "  100, 


1825— Total   189.     Of  this   number  2 

were  members  of  College. 
1  yr.  and  under,  37. Betw^0&    50,21. 
-  50  "    60,  10 

60  "  70,  23 
70  "  80,  15, 
80  "  90,  3 
90  "  100,    1. 


Betwn.  1  &  5,  30. 
"  5  "  10,  9. 
"  10  "20,  11. 
"  20  "  30,  19. 
«      30  «  40,  10. 


1&    5,15. 

"     50 " 

60, 

9. 

5  «  10,    6. 

"     60 " 

70, 

12. 

10  "  20,10. 

"     70 " 

80, 

12. 

20  "  30,15. 

"     80' 

90, 

5. 

30  "  40, 15. 

1829— Total   169.     Of    these   4  were 

members  of  College. 

1  yr.  and  under,  49.  Betw.40  &,  50,  14. 

" "  50  "  60,  14. 

60  "  70,    7. 

70  "  80,  13. 

80  "  90,    1. 


Total  171.    One  of  these  was  a 
member  of  College. 
1  yr.  and  under,  41.  Betw.40  &    50,14 


Betwn.    1&.    5,28. 

5  "  10,    4. 

10  "  20,    5. 

20  "  .^0,  20. 

30  "  40, 15, 


50  "  60,  13. 
60  "  70,  9. 
70  "  80,  10. 
90,  11. 
100,    1. 


80 
90 


Number  of  Deaths  from  1789  to  1810 
inclusive. 


53. 
70. 
55. 
51. 

80. 


1789, 
1790, 
1791, 
1792, 
1793, 

1794,  1!30 

1795,  159. 

1796,  67 

1797,  58 

1798,  78 

1799,  69 


Population  in  1810. 
5,772. 


1800,  79. 

1801,  95. 

1802,  106. 

1803,  145. 

1804,  95. 

1805,  126. 

1806,  106. 

1807,  108. 

1808,  78. 

1809,  116. 

1810,  119. 

nl820.  in  1830. 

7.147.  10,653 


39 


306 


SECTION    VIII. 

BENEFACTORS  OF  THE  COLLEGE. 

In  the  progress  of  the  classical  history  of  the  College,  several 
benefactions  have  been  incidentally  mentioned,  as  they  produced 
important  changes  in  the  course  of  instruction,  and  had  a  direct 
influence  on  the  character  of  the  University.  President  Clap 
has  formed  a  list  of  "the  Benefactors  of  Yale  College,  with  their 
several  donations  above  40s.  sterling."  This  list  extends  from 
the  year  1700,  to  1766,  and  is  extracted  in  full  from  his  treatise, 
presenting  an  interesting  statement  in  relation  to  the  early  pat- 
rons of  tjie  institution.  President  Clap  has  adopted  the  sterling 
computation,  in  designating  the  amounts  of  donations. 

The  benefactors  of  Vale  College,  with  their  several  donations 
above  40s.  sterling. 

1700.  The  founders   of  the  College,   40  volumes  of    £.  s.  d. 

books,  in  folio,  value  -  -         -  -       30  0  0 

1701.  James  Fitch,    Esq.   of  Norwich;  637  acres  of 

land   in  Killingly ;  exchanged  for  628  acres 
of  land  in  Salisbury. 

The  Honorable  the  General  Assembly  of  the 
Colony  of  Connecticut,  in  the  annual  grant 
about  £.60  per  annum,  till  the  year  1755. 

Sir  John  Davie,  of  Groton,  a  good   collection 
of  books,  the  number  and  value  not  known. 
1714.  Jeremiah  Dummer,  Esq.  of  London;   120 books,    60 
600  more  by  his  procurement  from  sundry 
gentlemen  in  England,  mentioned  1714,  400 
1716.  The  General  Assembly  by  sale  of  the   equiva- 
lent land, 250 

"The  Honorable  Elihu  Yale,  Esq.  of  London  ; 
300  vols,  of  books,  -         -         -         -     100 

In  goods  in  the  years  1718  and  1721,  400 

The  Honorable  Francis  Nicholson,  Esq. ;  a 
good  collection  of  books, 


307 


£.     ,5.    d. 

ll^ie.    Jeremiah  Dummer,  Esq. ;  76  vols,  of  books,  35  0  0 

Mr.  Samuel  Mix,                  of  New  Haven,     -  30 

Capt.  Theophilus  Munson,             "         -         -  1 1 

The  Rev.  Mr.  Joseph  Noycs,        "         -         -  10 

Capt.  John  Proiit,           -          -        "          -         -  10 

Mr.  Samuel  Lambert,     -         -       "         -         -  10 

John  Prout,  Esq.  Treasurer,         "         -         -  8 

Mr.  Nathanael  Heaton,            -        "          -         -  7 

Joseph  Whiting,  Esq.    -         -       "         -         -  0 

Capt.  Francis  Brown,    -         -       "         -         -  6 

Capt.  Isaac  Dickerman,           -       "         -         -  5 

Deacon  John  Punderson,        -       "         -         -  6 

Mr.  Richard  Miles,         -         -       "         -         -  5 

Mr.  Jonathan  Mansfield,         -       '•          -         -  5 

Mr.  Moses  Mansfield,    -         -       "         -         -  5 

Mr.  James  Gibbs,           -         -       "         -         .  5 

^  *  Mr.  Daniel  Brown,         -         -       "         -         -  5 

Mr.  Jonathan  Atwatcr,           -       "         -         -  5 

Mr.  Joseph  Mix,            -           -       "         -         -  5 

Dr.  Ebenezer  Allen,       -         -       "         -         -  5 

The  Rev.  Mr.  Samuel  Russel,    of  Branford,  6 

Mr.  Edward  Barker,           -         -           "  5 

Capt.  John  Riggs,     of  Derby,       -         -         -  5 

Mr.  William  Moss,         "       -         .         -         -  5 
Smaller  donations  from  sundry  persons  in  New 
Haven,  Branford,  Milford,  Wallingford,  and 
Derby,   in  money,    materials  and   labor,    to- 
wards building  the  College.     In   tlie  whole 

about        - 100 

The  Honorable  Governor  Saltonstall,    -         -  60 

1717.    Madam  Saltonstall, 10 

Jahaleel  Brcnton,  Esq.  of  Newport,       -         -  50 
Mr.  Joseph  Peck,   of  New  Haven,   two  acres 

of  Land  in  the  Yorkshire  quarter. 
The  proprietors  of  New  Ilavcn  eight  acren  ad- 
joining to  it ;  forty  acres  more   near  Samuffl 
Cooper's  House, 


30« 


£.  s.  d. 


1719.  The  Rev.  Mr.  Juseph  Moss,  of  Derby,   seven 

acres  of  land  in  New  Haven. 

1720.  Mr.  Joseph  Moss,  Sen.  of  New  Haven,   seven 

acres  in  New  Haven, 
Capt.   Samuel   Smith,   of  West  Haven,    eight 

acres  in  North  Haven. 
Dr.  Daniel  Turner,  of  London,  28  vols,  of  books,  14 
1722.    A  subscription  to  build  the  Rector's  house,  35 

A  general  contribution  for  the  same  end,  55 

The  General  Assembly  by  impost  on  rum  for 

the  same  purpose,     -         -         -         -         -     115 

By  sale  of  lands,  -----     120 

•1723.    Madam  Abigail  Woodbridge,  of  Hartford,  a  bell,      5 

1729.  Jeremiah  Dummer,  Esq. ;  two  valuable  books,       2 

1730.  Joseph  Thompson,  Esq.   of  London ;  46  vols. 

of  books,  ------       23 

The  Rev.  Dr.  Isaac  Watts,  of  London,  all  his 
works  then  published,  and  the  Berry-street 
sermons,  and  since,  all  his  other  works,  as 
they  were  from  time  to  time  published,  -  8 
The  Hon.  Samuel  Holden,  Esq. ;  'governor  of 
the  bank  of  England,  Mr.  Baxter's  Practical 
Works,  5  vols,  folio,  -         -         -         -       10 

1732.  The   General  Assembly  300  acres   of  land  in 

each  of  the  towns  of  Canaan,   Norfolk,  Go- 
shen, Cornwall  and  Kent. 

1733.  The  Rev.  Dr.  George  Berkely,  bishop  of  Cloyne, 

96  acres  of  land  on  Rhode  Island. 

1000  volumes  of  books,   including  his  own 

Avorks,  given  A.  D.  1730,  -  -         -     400 

1734.  Joseph   Thompson,  Esq.   of  London ;   a  com- 

plete set  of  surveying  instruments,     -         -       21 
A  reflecting  telescope,   a  microscope,   barome- 
ter and  sundiy   other  mathematical  instru- 
ments purchased  by  subscription  of  the  trus- 
tees, and  sundry  other  gentlemen,       •         -       37 
1738.    The  Rev.  Dr.  Watts,  two  large  globes.    -       -         ^ 


300 

£.  6^  d. 
1738.    The  Rev.  Dr.  Watts,  5  vols,  of  books  in  folio,       Ty 

1740.  The  General   Assembly,   to  the  first  parish   in 

Windham,   on  account  of  Rector  Clap's  re- 
moval,       53 

Mr.   Auditor   Benson,   of  London,   Johnston's 
Latin  Psalms,  9  Volumes,  -         -         -         2 

1741.  The  General  Assembly,   for  new  covering  the 

College, 42 

1742.  The  Rev.  Dr.  Thomas  Wilson,  of  London,  30 

of  the  Bishop  of  Sodor's  Listruction  to  the 
Indians,  to  be  given  to  the  students,     -       -         5 
Madam  Mary  Clap,  a  new  bell  for  the  College,       8 
The  General  Assembly,  for  a  new  kitchen  and 
fence  about  the  Rector's  house,  -         -       40 

1744.  Mr.  Anthony  Nougier,  of  Fairfield,        -         -       27 

1745.  The  General  Assembly,   for  new  covering  the 

President's  house,     -----       51 
The  Hon.  Philip  Livingston,  Esq.  -         -       28  10  0 

Mr.  Samuel  Lambert,    and  his  legatees,   one 

hundred    and    sixty    two   acres  of  land    in 

New  Haven  and  Wallingford. 

1748.  Thomas  Welles,  Esq.   of  Glassenbury,   for  the 

New  College,         -  -         -         -         -    .    10 

Dr.  Doddrige,  6  vols,  of  Sermons,  -         -         2 

1749.  Given  by  the  General  Assembly,   for   the  new 

College, 363 

1751.    Ditto, 50O 

1754.    Do. 2S0 

1751.  The  Rev.  Dr.  Johnson  and  the  Rev.  Dr.  Bar- 

clay, five  Littleton  and  West's  defence,  and 
other  books,     ------         2 

1752.  Benjamin    Franklin,   LL.  D.    of   Philadelphia, 

Bower's  History  of  the  Popes,  &cc.    -  -         2 

1756.    The  Rev.  President  Clap,  a  lot  of  land,    for  a 

professor  of  divinity,          -          -          -          -        I" 
Mr.  Gershoni  ( 'lark,  of  Lebanon,  for  a  profes- 
sor of  divinitv. 33  10  0 


310 

1756.    Given  by  sundry  gentlemen,  towards  purchasing 
an  air-pump,     ------ 

Christopher  Kilby,  Esq.  of  London  ;  an  astro- 
nomical quadrant,  and  Dr.  Shaw's  travels, 


£.  s.  d. 
18 


The  forty  six  following'  donations  were  for  building  the  Pro- 
fessor'^s  house. 

1756.    The  Rev.  Samuel  Bird,  of  New  Haven, 
Mr.  Samuel  Bradley,  of  Fairfield, 
Capt.  Daniel  Bull,  of  Hartford, 
The  Rev.  President  Clap,  of  New  Haven, 
Abraham  Davenport,  Esq.  of  Stamford, 
Col.  Thomas  Dyar,  of  Windham, 
Eliphalet  Dyar,  Esq.  of  Windham, 
The  Rev.  Edward  Eells,  of  Middletown, 
The  Hon.  Thomas  Fitch,  Esq.  of  Norwalk, 
Capt.  James  Fitch,  of  Lebanon,    -         -         - 
Joseph  Fowler,  Esq.  of  Lebanon, 
John  Gardiner,  Esq.  of  Gardiner's  Island, 
Matthew  Griswold,  Esq.  of  Lyme, 
Thomas  Hill,  Esq.  of  Fairfield, 
Capt.  Jonathan  Hills,  of  Hartford, 
The  Rev.  Noah  Hobart,  of  Fairfield,     - 
Mr.  John  Hotchkiss,  of  New  Haven,     - 
Hezekiah  Huntington,  Esq.  of  Norwich, 
Jabez  Huntington,  Esq.  of  Norwich, 
Mr.  David  Ingersoll,  of  Sheffield, 
The   Rev.  Stephen  Johnson,  of  Lyme, 
Mr.  Timothy  Jones,  of  New  Haven, 
Christopher  Kilby,  Esq.  of  London, 
John  Ledyard,  Esq.  of  Hartford, 
The  Rev.  Samuel  Lockwood,  of  Coventry, 
Mr.  Joshua  Lothrop,  of  Norwich, 
Phinehas  Lyman,  Esq.  of  Suffield, 
Mr.  John  Mix,  of  New  Haven, 
The  Rev.  Samuel  Mosely,  of  Windham, 


"\ 


3  15  0 

2 

5 

2 

5 

7  10 

3 

5 

3 

3 

3 

3 

2 

5 

4 

3 

3 

2 

7  10 

2  14 

3 

4 

3 

3 

2 

8 

2 

6 

2  15 

2  14 

2 

5 

2 

7 

7  10 

7  10 

3 

4 

o 

5 

3 

7 

3  18 

3  15 

2  10 

£. 

.v.  ./. 

:{ 

I 

•> 

r> 

3 

3 

2 

10 

3 

4 

3 

3 

3 

2 

3 

5 

4 

0 

o 

17 

2 

5 

4  14 

2 

10 

3 

0 

2 

0 

3 

2 

2 

5 

311 

175C.    The  Hon.  William  Pitkin,  Es(i.  of  Hitrll..i.l, 
Col.  Joseph  Pitkin,  of  Hartford, 
Thomas  Seymour,  Esq.  of  Hartforil,     - 
Elisha  Sheldon,  Esq.  of  Litclifield, 
Comfort  Starr,  Esq.  of  Danbury, 
Capt.  Samuel  Sturges,  of  Fairfield, 
Jonathan  Trumble,  Esq.  of  Lebanon,     - 
Robert  Walker,  Esq.  of  Stratford, 
Thomas  Welles,  Esq.  of  Glassenbury, 
Capt.  Joel  White,  of  Bolton, 
The  Rev.  Thomas  White,  of  Bolton,     - 
Madam  Elizabeth  Williams,  of  Weatliersfield, 
The  Rev.  Solomon  Williams,  of  Lebanon, 
The  Rev.  Eliphalet  Williams,  of  Hartford, 
The  Hon.  Roger  Wolcott,  Esq.  of  Windsor, 
Roger  Wolcott,  Jun.  Esq.  of  Windsor, 
The  Rev.  Ashbel  Woodbridgc,  of  Glassenbury, 
Sundry    other  donations  under  40;?.  sterling, 

amounting  in  the  whole,    -         -         -         -     10"-i    o 

The  forty  two  donations  following  were  for  building  the  Chapel 

£.    .•?.  (/. 

1761.    Mr.  Enos  Ailing,  of  New  Haven,          -  -  15    0  0 

Mr.  Nathan  Beers,  of  New  Haven,         -  -         2  12 

The  Rev.  Samuel  Bird,  of  New  Haven,  -         4  ir. 

Capt.  Daniel  Bull,  of  Hartford,      -         -  -         2    5 

The  Rev.  President  Clap,  of  New  Haven,  -  25    0 

Madam  Mary  Clap,  of  New  Haven,         -  -  HlO 

The  Rev.  Moses  Dickinson,  of  Norwalk,  -         2    7 

Eliphalet  Dyar,  Esq.  of  Windham,          -  -         -    J 

The  Rev.  Edward  Eells,  of  Middletown,  -         2    5 

Capt.  Ebenczer  Grant,  of  Windsor,          -  -          ~    -^ 

Matthew  Oris  wold,  Esq.  of  Lyme,          -  -         -^  '•» 

Thomas  Hill,  Esq.  of  Fairfield,       '         '  '         '^  ''? 

Capt.  Jonathan  Hills,  of  Hartford,           -  -         -^  '-J 
The  Rev.  Noah  Hobart,  of  Fairfield,      -                   '^  ^'^ 

Mr.  John  Hotrhkiss,  of  New  Haven,       -  ^<*»    ^* 


312 

1761.  Hezekiah  Huntington,  Esq.  of  Norwich, 
Jabez  Hunliiiiiton,  Esq.  of  Norwich, 
Jared  Ingersoll,  Esq.  of  New  Haven,     - 
John  Ledyard,  Esq.  of  Hartford, 
Peter  V.  B.  Livingston,  Esq.  of  New  York, 
Philip  Livingston,  Esq.  of  New  York, 
The  Rev.  Benjamin  Lord,  of  Norwich, 
Mr.  Joshua  Lothrop,  of  Norwich, 
Phinehas  Lyman,  Esq.  of  Suffield, 
The  Rev.  Jonathan  Merick,  of  Branford, 
Mr.  John  Mix,  of  New  Haven, 
David  Rowland,  Esq.  of  Fairfield, 
Thomas  Seymour  Esq.  of  Hartford, 
Capt.  Jonathan  Seymour,  of  Hartford, 
Elisha  Sheldon,  Esq.  of  Litchfield, 
Roger  Sherman,  Esq.  of  New  Haven,     - 
The  Rev.  Charles  Jefiery  Smith,  of  Brook  Ha- 
ven, Long-Island,       .  .  -  -  - 

Jonathan  Trumble,  Esq.  of  Lebanon, 
Robert  Walker,  Esq.  of  Stratford, 
Mr.  Jonathan  Welles,  of  Glassenbury, 
The  Rev.  Thomas  White,  of  Bolton,       - 
Capt.  Jonathan  White,  of  Lebanon, 
The  Rev.  Elnathan  Whitman,  of  Hartford, 
Madam  Elizabeth  Williams,  of  Weathersfield, 
The  Rev.  Solomon  Williams,  of  Lebanon, 
The  Rev.  Eliphalet  Williams,  of  Hartford,      - 
Sundry  lesser  donations  amounting  to    - 

1762.  The  Rev.  Jared  Eliot,  of  Kilingworth,  -         7  10 
Bfshop  Sherlock,   his  sermons,  4  volumes,  6 

duplicates,          -          -          -          -          -          -  30 

Dr.  Hales  and  Dr.  Wilson,  60  sets  of  Dr.  Le- 

land's  View  of  Deistical  Writers,  -  -  25  0 
Daniel  Scot  J.  U.  D.  his  Appendix  ad  Thesau- 

rum  Stephani :  2  vols.  fol.           -         -         -  2    0 

The  Rev.  John  Erskine,  several  valuable  books,  2    0 


£. 

s.d. 

3  15 

3 

0 

3 

0 

2  13 

2 

8 

2 

5 

2 

5 

3  15 

2 

5 

2 

5 

9 

0 

2 

5 

3  15 

2 

5 

2 

6 

7  10 

5 

5 

4  10 

2 

5 

3 

0 

3  17 

2 

5 

2 

5 

3  15 

2 

5 

3 

0 

27  16 

313 

1762.  Mr.  John  Hotchkiss,  of  New  Haven,  Jefferk-s's      £.  5.  d. 

History  of  French  America,  AVard's  Oratory, 
2  vols.   Sheridan  on  education,  and  5  of  Dr. 
Watts'  psalm-books,  witli  notes,  -         -         4    0 

1763.  Mr.  Philip  Schuyler,   of  Albany,  an  electrical 

instrument  and  books,        -         -         -         -         3    0 

1765.  George  Mills,  Esq.  of  New  Haven,  Jefleries's 

History  of  French  America,       -         -         -         2    0 
Thomas  VV^hately,  Esq.   a  member  of  parlia- 
ment, and  secretary  to  the  board  of  treasury  ; 
the  palace  of  Diocletian,  in  Cuts,         -         -         3    0 
The  Honorable  the  General  Assembly,  towards 

finishing  the  chapel,  .         .         .         .     215  13  D 

Richard  Jackson,  Esq.  a  member  of  parliament, 
and  agent  for  the  colony  of  Connecticut,  to- 
wards finishing  the  chapel,  ...     lOQ    0 

1766.  Mr.  John  Hotchkiss,  of  New  Haven,  Ridgley's 

Body  of  Divinity,  2  vols,  folio,  -         -         2  10 

Public  and  private  benefactions  to  the  college,  made  since  the 
ter?nination  of  President   Clap's  accovnt,  arranged  chrono- 
logically. 
1770.    His  Excellency  Governor  Trumbull,   a  tract   of  land   in 
Lebanon,  value,      ...  -  $100 

1777.  Mrs.  Elizabeth  Smith,  of  Wethersfield,  -  $<200 
The  Rev.  George  Colton,  of  Bolton,  a  small  donation, 

specific,         -----  $)10 

The  Rev.  Messrs.  Salter,  Johnson,  Lockwood  and  Pitkin, 
(of  the  corporation,)  each  ten  dollars,  for  a  special 
object,  -  -  -  -  -  ^10 

Owners  of  the  sloop  of  war  Satisfaction,  Kennicott's  He- 
brew Bible,  with  various  readings.     Vol.  I.  folio. 

1778.  Expences  of  removing  Doctor  Stiles's  family  from  Ports- 

mouth, paid  by  the  Treasurer  of  the  State,  in  compli- 
ance with  an  act  of  the  General  Assembly,  £242  10.j.  (W. 
N.  B.  The  depreciated  state  of  the  currency,  arising 
out  of  the  war,  renders  it  impossible  to  ascertain  the 
true  value  of  this  gift. 
40 


314 

A  donation  iVom  President  Stiles,  spccitic  in  ol)jcct,      $40 
1779.    Elias  Beers,    Bedfonl's   Chronology,    and  other   valuable 
books  alterwards. 
David  Austin,  a  Planctariun). 

1781.  Rev.  Nathan  Stron^f,  of  Hartford,  a  Scioptic  glass. 
Rev.  Richard  Salter,  D.  D.  of  Mansfield,  a  tract  of  land  of 

200  acres,  the  rents  appropriated  to  encourage  the  study 
of  the  Hebrew  and  the  Oriental  languages.  In  1792  it 
was  leased  for  £470,  consideration,  and  one  penny  per 
annum  rent,  equal  to  -  -  -      $1,506  67 

1782.  Dr.  Daniel  Lathrop,  of  Norwich,  £500;  equal  to  $1,666  66 

1783.  Jacob  R.  Rivera,  of  Leicester,  Mass.  a  portrait  of  the  Jew- 

ish Rabbi,  Haijm  Isaac  Carigal. 

1784.  Jeremiah   Atwater,   of  New  Haven,   expense  of  painting 

the  pulpit  and  gallery  of  the  Chajiel. 

1786.  Rev.  Stephen  Johnson,  of  Lyme,  three  copies  of  his  Trea- 

tise on  Future  Punishment. 

1787.  Samuel  Lockwood,  D.  D.  £100  ;  equal  to  $333  33 

This  donation  was  on  the  condition  that  it  should  be 
increased  to  $1000,  and  then  be  applied  to  the  purchase 
of  apparatus.  The  sum  mentioned  in  the  condition  was 
subsequently  made  up,  principally  by  subscriptions  of 
the  citizens  of  New  Haven,  and  the  apparatus  procured 
in  the  year  1789. 

1788.  Rev.  John   Erskine,  D.  D.   of  Edinburgh,   several  dona- 

tions of  books. — N.  B.  Between  the  years  1788  and  1795, 
Doctor  Erskine  contributed  120  volumes  to  the  library. 
Rev.  William  Gordon,  of  Roxbury,  sundry  books. 

1789.  Rev.  Eliphalet  Williams,   of  East  Hartford,   donation  of 

books. 

Hon.  Dudley  North,  M.P.  an  elegant  portrait  of  Gov.  Yale. 

Doctor  Price  and  Mr.  Vaughan,  of  London,  Col.  John 
Broome  and  Mr.  Samuel  Broome,  of  New  York,  their 
agency  in  the  purchase  and  free  transportation  of  Phi- 
losophical apparatus. 

Noah  Webster,  Esq.  of  New  Haven,  Connecticut,  a  part 
of  the  profits  of  his  Grammatical  Institute,  to  be  ap- 
propriated in  premiums,  for  composition,  &c. 


315 

Capt.  Pelcr  Poiul,  oC  Milfortl,  a  colhoiiuii  of  American 
Fossils. 

Rev.  Samuel  Lockwood,  D.  D.  of  Aiulover.  lor  inrreasp 
of  tlic  library  ;  a  Slate  certificate  for  the  sum  of 
£336  lis.  lawful  money;  ecjuai  to         -  SI, 122  33 

Rev.  Messrs.  Jarcd  Elliot  and  Thomas  Rup^ules,  avails  (»f 
former  donations,  now  vested  in  United  States  certifi- 
cates of  stock,  to  purchase  books,       -  -       8114  98 

His  Excellency  Governor  Trumbull,  tlio  jiorlrait  of  his 
father,  the  former  Governor  Trumbull. 
1792.  By  virtue  of  an  act  of  the  General  Assembly,  commis- 
sioners were  appointed,  with  authority  to  receive  bal- 
ances due  on  taxes  imposed  by  the  State,  and  to  apply 
the  same  for  the  benefit  of  Yale  Collejrc,  on  the  terms 
and  conditions  therein  cxj)rcsscd.  The  sum  of  £25(H) 
(lawful  money,  and  equal  to  $8,333  33  of  the  present 
curi'ency  of  the  United  Slates,)  was  appropriated  for 
the  erection  of  a  new  "  Building  or  College  for  the  re- 
ception and  accommodation  of  students  ;"  the  residue 
was  to  be  applied  for  the  support  of  Professors,  «S:c. 
A  reservation  of  50  per  cent,  of  the  amount  collect- 
ed, formed  a  section  of  the  Law,  at  the  time  of  the 
grant,  but  was  subsequently  commuted  by  an  act  of  the 
Assembly.  The  Corporation  of  the  College  acceded  to 
the  terms  imposed  by  the  Legislature,  at  their  next 
meeting  after  the  passage  of  the  act;  and  the  grant 
yielded  to  the  funds  about  $40,030.  At  liie  session  of 
the  Legislature,  in  the  year  1800,  the  Corporation  of 
the  College  was  discharged  from  the  aj)proiiriations  im- 
posed by  the  acts  of  1792  and  1790. 

A  donation  of  books  from  Mr.  William  Ilyslop,  of  Brook- 
lyn, Massachusetts,  the  proceeds  of  money  sent  by  him 
to  Dr.  Erskinc  of  Edinburgh,  "to  be  improved  and  ap- 
plied by  him  for  the  promotion  of  piety  and  literature." 

Mr.    Babington,   Gisborn's   Moral   Philosophy,    with    i<-- 
marks,  sent  l)y  Dr.  Er^kiiir. 
1794.    John  Ford,  of  BraniorcK'a  house  and  farm  on  cfrlnin  con- 
ditions, spccihed  in  the  grant. 


316 

1801.  Mr.  Jeremiah  Atwater,  of  New  Haven,  a  present  of  two 
chandeliers  for  the  use  of  the  chapel. 

1807.  Hon.  Oliver  Wolcott,  of  Litchfield,  last  Governor  of  the 
State,  of  that  name,  .         .         -         .  $2,000 

By  the  tei-ms  of  his  gift  the  interest  is  to  be  applied 
to  the  library. 

1811  and  182.5.  These  two  periods  are  noted  in  connection  in  ref- 
erence to  the  splendid  cabinet  procured  from  Col.Gibbs; 
the  first  as  the  date  of  a  valuable  deposit,  the  second  as 
designating  the  period  of  purchase  on  the  liberal  terms 
afforded  by  the  vender.  The  sketch  in  regard  to  the 
cabinet,  inserted  in  a  previous  part  of  this  appendix, 
will  give  a  guidance  to  the  liberal  gentlemen,  whose 
efiicient  aid  eflected  the  purchase. 

1813.  A  legacy  from  Isaac  Beers,  Esq.  of  New  Haven,  1900 

acres  of  land  in  the  town  of  Holland,  Vt. 

1814.  A  grant  from  the  State,  of  the  nominal  amount  of  $30,000 

for  the   establishment  of  a  medical  department  in   the 
College. 
1817.    A  donation,    by  legacy,     from    Noah  Linsley,    Esq.   of 
Wheeling,  Virginia,         -  -  -  $3,000 

1820.  A  marble  bust  of  General  David  Humphi-eys.     Presented 

by  his  widow. 

1821.  Portrait  of  the  first  Governor  Trumbull,  presented  by 

his  son  John  Trumbull,  Esq. 

1822.  For  the  permanent  establishment  of  the  Theological  de- 

partment. 

Donations  for  the  Dwiglit  Professorship,  viz. 
By  Eleazer  T.  Fitch,  D.  D.  Professor,  &c.     -         -      $1,666  66 
"  Wilham  Leffingwell,  New  Haven,  (Land,)  1250  00 

(Cash,)    750  00  2,000  00 
«  Timothy  Dwight,  of  New  Haven,       -  -  5,000  00 

"  Henry  L.  Ellsworth,  Hartford,  -  -       1,000  00 

"  Jeremiah  Day,  D.  D.    President,        -  -  700  00 

"  Benjamin  Silliman,  LL.  D.  Professor,     -  -  150  00 

"  J.  L.  Kingsley,  Professor,     '-  -  -    ,  500  00 

"  Anna  Townsend,  of  New  Haven,  -  -         500  00 


317 


By  Abraham  and  Jared  Bradley,  of  New  Haven,  (Land 
sold  for)  -  -  -  . 

"  Stephen  Twining,  New  Haven, 
"  Hull  and  Townsend,     do. 
"  Dyer  White, 
"  William  H.  Elliott, 


John  H.  Colcy, 
Jehiel  Forbes, 
Elihu  Sanford, 
A  Lady, 
Titus  Street, 


do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 


(Land,) 
(Cash,) 


t>()()  00 
100  00 


Stephen  Van  Rensselaer,  LL.  D.  Albany,  N.  Y. 

William  C.  Woodbridge,  Hartford, 

Thomas  S.  Williams,  do. 

Cornelia  Hubbard,  Middletown, 

Harriet  W.  Cobb,  Portland,  Me. 

William  W.  Ellsworth,  Hartford, 

Arthur  Tappan,  New  York, 

Jonathan  Little,         do. 

Richard  Varick,         do. 

Sherman  Converse,  do. 

James  E.  Beach,        do. 

A  Friend,  do. 

Benjamin  Curtis,        do.  ... 

Thomas  R.  Gould,  of  Whitesborough,  N.  Y. 

Orrin  Day,  of  Cattskill,  N.  Y. 

Garrit  Smith,  of  Peterborough,  N.  Y.     - 

Henry  Dwight,  of  New  Haven, 

Hon.  David  Daggett,     do. 

Aristarchus  Champion,  of  Champion,  N.  Y. 

Elizur  Goodrich,  Jun.  of  Utica,  N.  Y. 

Henry  Rutgers,  of  New  York, 

Daniel  Metcalf,  of  Lebanon,  Ct. 

Zachariah  Lewis,  of  New  York, 

Ebenezer  Parker,  of  Boston, 

Henrietta  F.  Whitney,  of  New  Haven,    - 

Alexander  Phoenix,  of  New  York, 


8600  00 
250  00 
500  (H) 
300  00 

300  00 

HK)  (HJ 

50  (X) 

50  00 

00  00 

1,000  00 
500  00 
150  00 
500  00 

1,000  00 

50  00 

800  00 

1,000  00 
500  00 
200  00 
5(H3  00 
100  00 
500  00 
250  00 
100  00 
250  00 
250  00 
100  00 
500  00 

l,5iK)  00 
125  00 

000  IK> 

75  00 

500  00 

.5(K>  00 

|.'>0  (H» 


318 

By  Rev.  David  Smith,  of  Durham,     -  -         -         Jj^lOO  00 

"  Abel  Wheeler,  of  Oxford,         -  -  -  100  00 

"  A  legacy  from  Mrs.  Martha  Denison,  of  Wilkesbarre,  1,000  00 
"  "         "     Miss  Nancy  Starr,  of  Middletown,  535  00 

"  Sundry  donations  less  than  $50,  -  -         290  78 


$27,612  44 

N.  B.  Of  the  above  donations,  the  sum  of  nine  thousand  two 
hundred  dollars,  was  invested  in  the  Eagle  Bank,  and  lost  by  the 
failure  of  that  institution. 

Donations  to  the  Sacred  Literature  Professorship,  viz. 
By  Richard  Varick,  of  New  York, 

"  Nehemiah  Hubbard,  of  Middletown,  Ct. 

"  Sophia  Townsend,  of  New  Haven, 

"  Joseph  Hurlburt,  of  New  London, 

"  Eleazar  F.  Backus,  of  New  Haven, 

"  John  Davenport,  of  Stamford, 

"  Thomas  Darling,  of  New  York, 

"  John  H.  De  Forest,  of  Humphreysville, 

"  Richard  Hubbard,  of  Middletown, 

"  Arthur  Tappan,  of  New  York, 

"  John  C.  Smith,  of  Sharon, 

"  Joshua  L.  Williams,  of  Middletown, 

"  Other  donations,  under  $50  each. 


Donations  for  Theological  purposes,  viz. 
By  Anson  G.  Phelps,  of  New  York, 
"  Jonathan  Little,  do. 

"  Chauncey  A.  Goodrich,  Professor, 
"  Knowles  Taylor,  of  New  York, 
"  A.  Phcenix,  do.  ... 

"  A.  Tapjjan,  do.      ... 

"  Joseph  Otis,  of  Stratford,  ... 

"  Donations  of  less  than  $50,     - 

$1,530  00 

A  donation  from  Roswell  Colt,  Esq.  of  Baltimore,  in  land, 
estimated  from  ....         $900  to  1000 


$200  00 

500  00 

50  00 

50  00 

1,000  00 

150  00 

50  00 

100  00 

100  00 

1,000  00 

100  00 

50  00 

5,879  22 

$9,229  22 

$  50  00 

250  00 

500  00 

50  00 

150  00 

100  00 

300  00 

130  00 

;U9 

^Additional  contribution.'^  in  the  year   X'tfirZ. 
The  Rev.  Jedediah  Morse,  D.  D.  subscription  in  books,    ^00 
Mr.  Samuel  F.  B.  Morse,  do.  do.       ^)() 

Eli  Whitney,  Esq.  Cash,  -  -  -  ^i.'SCK) 

This  donation,  by  the  terms  of  the  jfvant,  was  to  be  applied  to 
a  perpetual  fund,  for  the  purchase  of  books,  relative  to  practical 
Mechanics  and  Physical  scicnceTj 

1S23.    A  donation  from  David  C  De  Forest,  Esq.  late  Consul  Gen- 
eral from  Buenos  Ayres,  on  specified  conditions,  S5000 
Sheldon  Clark,  Esq.  of  Oxford,  a  donation,  on  terms  speci- 
fied,           -----  !s,-,()00 
18^.    William  W.  Woolsey,  Esq.  of  New  York,  a  tract  of  land 
in  the  town  of  Lysle,  Chenango  County,  N.  Y.  on  cer- 
tain conditions,  about           -            -          .         -       i^KKX) 
An  unknown  benefactor,  for  the  enlargement  of  the  libra- 
ry,                  8500 

The  Benevolent  Society  of  Yale  College  on  their  dissolu- 
tion, on  specific  terms,    1st.  Their  library.     2d.  Their 
funds,  amounting  to         -         -         -         -         $5G7  36 
N.  B.  The  interest  of  this  benefaction  is  to  be  applied 
in  aid  of  indigent  students,  &c. 
Sheldon  Clark,  Esq.  of  Oxford,  to  estabhsh  a  scholarship 
on  specific  terms,        .         .         -         -         .         $1(X)0 

1825.  Citizens  of  New  Haven  in  aid  of  purchasing  the  "Gibbs' 

Mineralogical  Cabinet,"  -  -  S10,(XH) 

Citizens  of  New  York,     do.  -         -         -  83500 

Alumni  of  Yale  College  in  South  Carolina,  do.  8800 
Thomas  Day,  Esq.  of  Hartford,  on  terms  specified,  82000. 
The  Rev.  John  Elliot,  D.  D.  of  East  Guilford,  nine  acres 

ofland  sold  in  1825  for         -         -         -         -         83()0 

1826.  Daniel  Boardman,  Esq.  of  New  York,  1010  acres  of  land 

in  Granby,  Vt. 

1827.  William  C.  Woodbridge,  a  large  map  of  Rome. 
Joseph  Stansbury,  Esq.  of  London,  Ackermann's  history 

of  the  Universities  of  Oxford  and  Cambridge,  with  2(X> 
splendid  engravings  ;  4  vols,  iniporinl,  Ito. 
Geo.  Hoadly,  of  N.  Haven,  a  portrait  of  Eh  Whitney,  Ksq. 

1828.  Commodore   Isaac  Hull,   of  the  United  States  Navy,   a 

collection  of  pictures  and  minerals. 


320 

Arthur  Tappan,  Esq.  of  New  York,  for  the  tuition  of  ben- 
eficiaries of  the  American  Education  Society,  of  the 
classes  entering  in  the  years  1828  and  1829,  more  or 
less.  On  this  benefaction,  there  has  been  paid  in  2| 
years,  $2,350.  Its  continuance  for  li  year  more  ii  es- 
timated at  $1,750,  -  -  -  $4,100 

Ithiel  Town,  Esq.  of  New  Haven,  a  donation  of        $500 

Isaac  Mills,  Esq.  of  do.  100  acres  of  land  in  Millsford, 
Ashtabula  Co.  Ohio. 

Sheldon  Clark,  Esq.  of  Oxford,  Ct.  for  an  achromatic  tel- 
escope, and  a  pair  of  21  inch  globes,  -  $1,250 

Samuel  S.  Lusk,  Esq.  of  Albany,  Montanus's  Hebrew  Bi- 
ble and  Greek  Testament,  6  vols.  8vo.  from  the  library 
of  the  Rev.  John  Davenport,  the  first  pastor  of  N.  Haven. 

1829.  John  McAdam,  Esq.  of  Great  Britain,  residing  at  Naples, 

a  set  of  Models  of  Ancient  Temples,  and  of  a  Sarcopha- 
gus at  Poestum,  through  the  agency  of  Wm.  McCrackan, 
Esq. 

1830.  Mrs.  Humphreys,  relict  of  the  late  Gen.  David  Humphreys, 

now  Mrs.  Walewski,  two  portraits  of  Gen.  Humphreys. 

1831.  From  the  Legislature,  being  a  part  of  the  bonus  on  the 

grant  of  a  bank  charter  to  Bridgeport,       -         $7000 
Donations  hy  the  Ahimni. 
1827.    The  Alumni  of  Yale  College  at  the  Commencement  in  1827 
formed  themselves  into  a  society  under  the  following  constitution: 

Art.  I.  This  association  shall  be  called  the  Society  of  the 
Alumni  of  Yale  College. 

Art.  II.  Its  general  object  shall  be  to  sustain  and  advance  the 
interests  of  Yale  College. 

Art.  III.  Its  officers  shall  be  a  President,  Vice  Presidents,  Di- 
rectors, a  Secretary  and  a  Treasurer. 

Art.  IV.  An  Alumnus  who  pays  two  dollars  annually,  shall  be 
a  member  of  the  Society,  and  shall  be  considered  as  continuing 
such,  until  he  gives  notice  to  the  Treasurer  of  his  intention  to 
withdraw. 

Art  V.  One  who  pays  fifteen  dollars  at  one  time,  shall  be  a 
member  of  the  society  for  ten  years. 

Art.  VI.  One  who  pays  twenty  five  dollars  at  a  time,  shall 
be  a  member  for  life. 


'% 


321 

Art.  VII.  Any  person  (wlietlier  an  alumnus  m-  \m,i)  t«rho  con- 
tributes the  sum  of  fifty  dollars,  sliall  l»c  a  Director  for  life. 

Art.  VIII.  Any  person  (whether  an  alumnus  or  not)  who  con- 
tributes the  sum  of  two  hundred  and  fifty  dollars,  shall  be  au  Hon- 
orary Vice  President  for  life. 

Art.  IX.  Provides  that  the  officers  shall  be  chosen  at  the  an- 
nual meeting-. 

Art.  X,  Provides  that  all  meetings  shall  be  holden  at  New 
Haven  ;  the  annual  meeting,  at  the  season  of  commencement. 

Art.  XI.  The  ftmds  of  the  society  shall  be  appropriated  to 
such  objects  as  the  donors  respectively  may  specify  ;  if  no  object 
is  specified  by  the  donors,  the  directors  shall  dispose  of  them,  &c. 
in  accordance  with  the  general  objects,  and  spirit  of  the  associa- 
tion, and  make  report  to  the  next  annual  meeting. 

On  the  adoption  of  the  above  constitution,  at  a  numerous 
meeting  of  the  Alumni,  a  book  being  opened,  subscrijjtions  highly 
respectable  both  in  names  and  amount,  were  made.  It  has  been 
enlarged  since,  and  is  still  open  for  the  further  subscriptions  of 
the  Alumni,  and  other  benevolent  patrons. 

The  sums  already  received  (from  a  larger  amount 
subscribed)  is $3,814  50 

Of  which  has  been  applied  and  paid  over  to  the  theo- 
logical department,  as  specifically  directed  by  the  donors    737  00 


83,077  50 
The  remainder,  deducting  expenses,  has  been  vested  in  bank 
stock  and  other  funds,  and  has  been  appropriated  by  the  society  to 
the  support  of  one  of  the  professorships,  to  be  hereafter  designa- 
ted, and  called  the  Professorship  of  the  Alumni. 

N.  B.  The  preceding  list  of  benefactions  has  been  compiled  from  the  rec- 
ords of  the  College,  and  the  books  of  the  treasurer.  The  author  issens  ibic  that 
it  is  deficient  in  many  respects,  and  that  donations,  entitled  to  notice,  may  have 
been  in  some  cases  omitted.  The  notations  of  benefactions,  required  the  ex- 
amination of  several  volumes  of  records.  In  the  progress  of  the  inquiry,  it 
was  ascertained  that  their  names  and  gifts,  had  been  stated  in  several  books, 
and  under  different  heads.  The  errors  thus  occurring,  and  which  are  not 
chargeable  to  any  intentional  omissions,  it  is  lioped,  may  be  hereafter  rectified 
by  the  publication  of  a  perfect  list. 

41 


322 

In  the  year  1822,  an  application  was  made  to  the  Legislature, 
for  an  appropriation  in  aid  of  the  funds  of  the  College.  As  the 
report  of  the  Committee  appointed  on  that  occasion,  and  of  which 
the  present  Governor  of  the  State  was  Chairman,  exhibits  in  a 
condensed  form  the  various  grants  made  by  the  State  in  be- 
half of  the  College,  it  is  inserted  without  diminution.  How  far 
the  conclusion  of  the  Committee,  conforms  to  the  statement  of 
facts  and  the  reasons  specified  in  llie  body  of  the  report,  it  is  not 
the  province  of  the  compiler  to  judge. 

The  Committee  to  whovi  was  referred  the  Petition  of  the  Presi- 
dent and  Fellows  of  Yale  College,  respectfully 
REPORT: 

That  they  have  investigated  the  facts  stated  in  said  petition  ; 
and  have  also  taken  into  consideration  the  two  "  resolutions" 
submitted  to  them  by  the  House  of  Representatives — the  first  di- 
recting them  to  inquire  concerning  the  donations  made  by  this 
State  to  the  Corporation  of  Yale  College — and  the  latter,  direct- 
ing their  inquiries  to  the  mode  of  instruction,  and  existing  bye- 
laws,  designed  to  secure  to  one  denomination  of  christians  the 
government  of  the  College  ;  and  the  result  of  their  examination 
is  now  submitted. 

The  productive  capital  of  the  College  may  be  estimated  at  fifty 
thousand  dollars  ;  but  the  same  is  now  subject  to  a  debt  recently 
incurred,  by  the  erection  of  one  new  building,  the  expense  of 
which  is  about  eleven  thousand  dollars,  and  if  no  means  can  be 
devised  to  pay  ofl'this  sum,  it  must  eventually  be  deducted  from 
the  capital  of  the  corporation  ;  and  will  reduce  the  annual  in- 
come below  what  appears  to  be  absolutely  necessary  to  the  pros- 
perity of  the  institution.  The  number  of  students  has  greatly  in- 
creased within  a  few  years  past,  and  we  are  happy  to  have  it  in 
our  power  to  state,  that  the  )uimber  of  students  now  exceeds  that 
of  any  other  College  in  the  United  States. 

This  fact  alone,  is  conclusive  testimony  to  our  minds,  that  the 
institution  of  Yale  College  is  worthy  of  our  greatest  exertions, 
and  should  excite  in  every  breast  that  ambition,  so  sensibly  felt  by 
those  who  delight  to  behold  the  State  of  Connecticut  justly  claim- 


323 

ing  a  place,  in  the  history  of  our  nation,  lo  w  hith  oiherti  strive  lo 
attain  in  vain.  This  institution  ever  has  been,  ami  we  confKleiu- 
ly  hope  ever  will  be,  t)ie  pride  of  our  .State,  whoso  lo<ri!-latiircd 
have  from  time  to  time,  extended  a  fosterin<j  hand. 

At  the  institution  of  the  College,  an  annual  •pfraui  u.i,  mudi-, 
which,  with  some  additions,  continued  forty-four  years;  and  at 
the  expiration  of  that  time,  the  whole  amount  was  >?  12,399  10 
Sundry  other  specific  grants,  from  1710  to    I76(i, 

amounted  to  9,168  00 

In  the  year  1792,  the  General  Assembly  authorized 
the  '  Trustees'  to  receive  certain  arrearages  of  tax- 
es upon  condition  of  paying  into  the  treasury  of 
this  State,  50  per  cent,  of  the  whole  amount  col 
lected,  in  any  description  of  U.  S.  stock.  Ami 
subsequently  an  arrangement  was  made  by  which 
the  Treasury  of  this  State  realized  813,720  30, 
'ajid  the  College  realized  from  this  grant  40,629  80 

It  appears  that  notliing  more  was  given  until  the  gen- 
eral appropriation  of  1816,  for  religion  and  litera- 
ture.    The  College  proportion  was  8,7b5  JO 
And  1500  acres  of  land  granted  in  1732,  in  Litchlield 

County,  of  the  value  of  about  600  00 


The  whole  amounting  to  871,582  60 

This  estimate  does  not  include  the  avails  of  a  lottery  which 
was  authorized  by  the  General  Assembly  in  1747,  and  from  which 
was  obtained  the  sum  of  82,220  00;  neither  does  it  inchide  the 
appropriations  for  the  "  Medical  Institution."  For  the  last  four 
years,  the  average  annual  expenditures  of  tlie  College  have  ex- 
ceeded the  income. 

There  has  been  paid  by  students  for  tuition,  cVc.  an- 
nually, ■  *'-''-^»  '^^ 
Interest  of  the  College  funds,  3,000  00 


Expenditures  for  the  same    period  :   instriKtion,    re 
pairs,  incidental  expenses,  &c 


815,021   00 

8ir>.  171  <H) 


324 

The  College  buildings  are  now  in  excellent  repair,  and  are 
worth  more  than  has  ever  been  given  by  this  State.  The  Com- 
mittee regret  that  public  sentiment  has  been  impressed  that  more 
frequent  grants  and  donations,  and  to  a  larger  amount,  have  been 
made  by  the  State,  than  facts  will  warrant.  The  present  flour- 
ishing state  and  high  reputation  of  the  Callege,  are  such,  that  the 
buildings  are  inadequate  to  the  accommodation  of  all  the  stu- 
dents, who  resort  to  this  seminary. 

In  the  year  1708,  when  our  fathers  obtained  for  their  posterity 
the  establishment  of  this  College,  they  were  nearly  all  of  one  reli- 
gious denomination,  and  their  primary  object  was  to  educate  aqd 
qualify  their  sons  for  the  ministry, — and  as  they  were  strongly 
impressed  with  the  impropriety  of  that  oppression  from  which 
they  had  just  escaped,  and  to  secure  themselves  against  that  op- 
pression, it  was  required  by  the  bye-laws  of  the  College,  that  be- 
fore entering  upon  the  duties  of  an  office  in  the  College,  the  can- 
didate should  declare  his  assent  to  the  confession  of  faith  and  rjilfes 
of  ecclesiastical  discipline,  agreed  upon  by  the  Churches  in  this 
State  in  1708,  which  requisitions  continued  down  to  the  year 
1SJ7;  since  which,  by  their  laws,  the  candidate  has  his  election, 
to  make  that  declaration,  or  in  sovie  other  way,  give  satisfactory 
evidence  to  the  President  and  Fellows,  of  his  religious  belief  and 
qualifications. 

The  government  of  the  College  is  established  on  the  plan  of 
that  of  a  well  regulated  family,  marked  with  all  that  mildness  and 
humanity,  so  happily  cultivated  at  the  present  day. 

The  petitioners  seek  an  additional  grant  from  the  treasury,  to 
enable  them  to  pay  off  the  expenses  of  the  College  lately  erected, 
and  to  enable  them  to  maintain  the  character  and  utility  of  this 
institution,  and  transmit  its  benefits  to  future  generations. 

The  Committee  having  given  to  the  various  subjects  referred  to 
them,  all  that  attention  their  limited  time  would  admit  of,  are,  on 
the  whole,  of  the  opinion,  that  at  present  it  v/ould  be  inexpedi- 
ent to  make  the  grant  desired. 

All  which  is  respectfully  submitted. 

Signed  per  order,  J.  S.  Peters. 

May  Session,  1822. 


4^1  ^  d        5 


• 


UNIVERSITY  OF  CALIFORNIA  AT  LOS  ANGELES 

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